Lichen simplex chronicus of the scalp: dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy features

Abstract

Lichen simplex chronicus of the scalp: dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy featuresDear Editor, Scalp lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is rare and can be a challenging and frustrating condition for both patient and physician. Dermoscopic features of LSC have already been described and correlated to histopathology, 1-3 but diagnosis may results difficult even with the aid of dermatoscopy and the pathologic interpretation may not be diagnostic if biopsy is not obtained from the correct site.We collected 19 patients (52.6% females) with biopsy-proven LSC from different countries. In two cases, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) was also performed by one of the authors (V.D.M.) using the VivaScope â 3000 (Mavig GmbH, Munich, Germany), which allows to scan an area of 1 9 1 mm up to a depth of 200 lm. Instrument and acquisition procedures have been described elsewhere. 4,5 Vertical VivaStack software imaging was used for the evaluation of adnexal structures from the ostium to the maximum depth. RCM images assessments were performed jointly on a highresolution monitor by two authors (V.D.M. and G.P.

Scalp dysaesthesia and lichen simplex chronicus: diagnostic and therapeutic update with literature review

“…16,17 In a recent paper, we also described the role of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in LSC to facilitate the differential diagnosis between scarring and nonscarring alopecias, biopsy site selection and treatment monitoring. 18 In some cases RCM may be particularly informative, allowing diagnosis without the need of a biopsy.…”