National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Actinic lichen planus


Other Names:
Actinic LP; Lichen planus actinus; Lichen planus subtropicus; Actinic LP; Lichen planus actinus; Lichen planus subtropicus; Lichen planus tropicus; Lichenoid melanodermatitis; Summertime actinic lichenoid eruption See More
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Actinic lichen planus (LP) is a rare form of lichen planus, which is a condition that affects the skin and/or mouth. In actinic LP, specifically, affected people develop mildly itchy, coin-shaped patches on sun exposed areas such as the face, the neck and the backs of the hands.[1][2] It is extremely rare in Caucasians but it is more common in dark-skinned populations. The exact underlying cause of actinic LP is unknown.[3] Treatment is not always necessary as some cases of actinic LP resolve on their own. Mild cases can often be managed with topical steroids, while more intensive therapies may be required for severe cases.[1][2]
Last updated: 7/15/2015

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • DermNet NZ is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Actinic lichen planus. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Lichen planus. DermNet NZ. March 2015; http://dermnetnz.org/scaly/lichen-planus.html.
  2. Tsu-Yi Chuang, MD, MPH. Lichen Planus. Medscape Reference. May 2015; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1123213-overview.
  3. Actinic lichen planus. Orphanet. May 2011; http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=en&Expert=254395.