Lichen amyloidosus: A consequence of scratching

W. Weyers*, I. Weyers, M. Bonczkowitz, C. Diaz-Cascajo, W. B. Schill

*Corresponding author for this work
89 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Lichen amyloidosus (LA) is generally said to be a pruritic type of amyloidosis of unknown cause. Histopathologically, it is characterized by epidermal changes of lichen simplex chronicus and by deposits of amyloid in the papillary dermis that are derived from keratin peptides of necrotic keratinocytes. Chronic scratching is responsible for the development of lichen simplex chronicus and may lead to necrosis of individual keratinocytes. Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate whether chronic scratching may also be responsible for the formation of amyloid in LA. Methods: We studied patients with LA in regard to histopathologic findings, onset of pruritus, associated diseases, and response to treatment. Results: In most cases, pruritus had preceded the skin lesions. Eight of nine patients suffered from diseases other than LA that may be associated with pruritus. Histopathologically, amyloid was confined to areas that also showed signs of lichen simplex chronicus. Systemic treatment with sedating antihistamines and intense local treatment with corticosteroids were found to be effective. Conclusion: LA is considered to be a variant of lichen simplex chronicus in which scratching leads to necrosis of keratinocytes and eventually to the formation of amyloid in the papillary dermis. Because chronic scratching seems to be the cause and not the result of the deposits of amyloid, treatment should be directed at the amelioration of pruritus.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Volume37
Issue number6
Pages (from-to)923-928
Number of pages6
ISSN0190-9622
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1997

Research Areas and Centers

  • Academic Focus: Center for Infection and Inflammation Research (ZIEL)

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