A 45-year-old outdoor worker in India presents with well-defined, annular, hyperpigmented plaques with a hypopigmented rim over the face and dorsal hands during summer. The lesions are minimally pruritic. Which variant of lichen planus is most likely?
- A Lichen planus pigmentosus
- B Actinic lichen planus ✓
- C Hypertrophic lichen planus
- D Lichen planopilaris
Correct answer: B. Actinic lichen planus
Explanation
Actinic lichen planus is a photosensitive variant common in tropical climates like India, presenting with annular plaques on sun-exposed areas. Lichen planus pigmentosus presents with diffuse brown macules without the characteristic annular rim. Hypertrophic LP affects the shins with verrucous plaques. Lichen planopilaris causes scarring alopecia on the scalp. Therefore, the clinical presentation is classic for actinic lichen planus.
Reference: Bolognia Dermatology, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.