Photosensitive spongiotic/lichenoid eruption of micropapules and plaques: a morphologically distinct entity.

BACKGROUND

A distinct morphological pattern of photodermatosis has been observed with shiny skin colored to hypopigmented tiny papules, discrete or coalescing to form plaques.

AIMS

To study the clinico-pathological features of patients presenting with these lesions.

METHODS

A total of 72 patients were recruited. Clinical examination and skin biopsy was carried out to evaluate the morphological patterns and the histopathological features.

RESULTS

In all patients, tiny discrete to coalescent papules were observed on sun-exposed sites but usually sparing the face. The condition occurred more commonly in women. Three specific histopathological patterns were observed : spongiotic (43.7%), lichenoid (22.5%), psoriasiform (18.7%) and also perivascular pattern in 5%.

CONCLUSION

Photosensitive lichenoid eruption is a morphologically distinct photodermatoses that is commonly seen in Indian patients with pathological features showing mostly spongiotic changes and in some cases lichenoid changes.