Lichen Amyloidosus Without Itching Indicates That it is Not Secondary to Chronic Scratching

The Association of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Lichen Amyloidosis: Case Report

“…11 As LA is typically highly pruritic, the chronic irritation to the skin has generally been considered to be secondary to scratching induced by other subjacent pruritogenic processes. 8,9 Yet, as it was the case in our patient, mildly or non-pruritic cases have also been described. 9,13 In such patients other factors, for instance a locus located on the short arm of chromosome 1, has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis.…”

“…8,9 Yet, as it was the case in our patient, mildly or non-pruritic cases have also been described. 9,13 In such patients other factors, for instance a locus located on the short arm of chromosome 1, has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis. 9,14 The diagnosis of LA depends on the clinical and histopathological findings.…”

“…9,13 In such patients other factors, for instance a locus located on the short arm of chromosome 1, has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis. 9,14 The diagnosis of LA depends on the clinical and histopathological findings. [8][9][10][11] Lesional skin biopsy generally reveals hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and focal amyloid deposits within the papillary dermis.…”

“…2,6,7 Lichen amyloidosis is a type of primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis in which amyloid, a fibrillar proteinaceous material, is deposited solely in the skin, without associated systemic involvement. 8,9 It is characterized by multiple pruritic discrete hyperkeratotic papules that coalesce into plaques, most commonly located on the anterior legs, upper back, forearms, and thighs. [8][9][10] Although the precise cause of LA is uncertain, chronic irritation to the skin resulting in excessive production of degenerate keratins, and their subsequent conversion into amyloid deposits, has been proposed to be an etiologic factor.…”

“…8,9 It is characterized by multiple pruritic discrete hyperkeratotic papules that coalesce into plaques, most commonly located on the anterior legs, upper back, forearms, and thighs. [8][9][10] Although the precise cause of LA is uncertain, chronic irritation to the skin resulting in excessive production of degenerate keratins, and their subsequent conversion into amyloid deposits, has been proposed to be an etiologic factor. 11,12 It is stated that any damage to keratinocyte, beyond the ability of the phagocytic cell to remove the abnormal keratins, can be able to cause amyloid deposits.…”