Dermoscopic patterns in active and regressive lichen planus.

Objective To determine various dermoscopic patterns in active and regressive Lichen Planus. Methods It was an observational study carried out at department of dermatology unit-II, Mayo Hospital Lahore. A total of 70 dermoscopic images from 35 patients (20 females, 15 males) were studied. Their clinical pictures were taken with iPhone 6 and patients diagnosed both clinically and histologically of lichen planus were enrolled in the study. Dermoscopic pictures were taken at the same time with fireflypro DE 350 model, a polarized dermoscopic device, using both optical and digital magnification. Clinical and dermoscopic data of both active and regressive Lichen Planus was compiled separately. Predominant patterns were described keeping in mind the internationally accepted terminology & criteria. Results 40 out of 70 images belonged to patients with clinically active LP, while 30 images showed features of regressive LP. Predominant features in active LP included wikhams stria (WS), vascular structures and various forms of pigmentation. WS and vascular structures are absent in majority of treated or regressive cases. Conclusion Dermoscopy is a reliable non-invasive tool in differentiating active from regressive LP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]