Linear lichen planus and hepatitis C.

A 23-year-old man with hepatitis C was observed with brownish dome-shaped papules in a linear pattern on the chest. The papules were determined clinically and pathologically to be linear lichen planus. These lesions appeared during an interferon-alpha therapy for his hepatitis and resolved after topical treatment with tacrolimus ointment. Linear lichen planus and hepatitis C have been reported only twice previously. The association between these disorders and the potential role of interferon therapy are discussed.