Effective Topical Combination Therapy for Treatment of Lichen Striatus in Children: A Case Series and Review

July 2012 | Volume 11 | Issue 7 | Case Reports | 872 | Copyright © July 2012


Sherry M. Youssef MD MPH and Joyce M.C. Teng MD PhD

Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI

this patient population in large-scale evidence-based studies. However, the safety and efficacy of topical tazarotene have been demonstrated in many case-based studies.17-20 Systemic retinoids, on the other hand, have been used successfully to treat ichthyosiform disorders during the first decade of life.21 While systemic retinoids are effective, they can be associated with serious adverse effects, thus limiting their use in children. 17 Risk of systemic absorption was highly unlikely in our case series, due to only localized application.

CONCLUSION

This case series has demonstrated the efficacy and tolerability of tazarotene treatment of LS in the pediatric population for the first time. In this report, we specifically reviewed patients with recalcitrant disease that did not respond to topical steroid therapy alone. The results were reproducible in nearly all patients using this combination regimen. While it is difficult to completely prevent the hypopigmented sequelae, the duration and severity of the disease can be improved markedly. In our experience, early treatment with these agents helps limit the progression of LS, and thereby further improves cosmesis. Ideally, a placebo-controlled, randomized study would be helpful to confirm the superior efficacy of the combination treatment as delineated in this study.

DISCLOSURES

The authors have disclosed no relevant conflicts of interest.

REFERENCES

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ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE

Joyce M.C. Teng MD PhDDepartment of PediatricsUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison7th floor, 1 S Park StMadison, WI 53715Phone: (608) 287-2620Email: jteng@dermatology.wisc.edu
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