Ann Dermatol.  2009 Nov;21(4):429-431. 10.5021/ad.2009.21.4.429.

A Case of Palmoplantar Lichen Planus Mimicking Secondary Syphilis

• Kim YS
• Kim MH
• Kim CW
• Shin DH
• Choi JS
• Kim KH

• KMID: 2156514
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2009.21.4.429

Abstract

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects skin, mucous membranes, hairs, and nails. According to the site of involvement, lichen planus can be subdivided into palmoplantar, mucosal, nail, or scalp types. Palmoplantar lichen planus is a rare subtype of lichen planus which may create difficulty in diagnosis, as the lesion is limited to the palms and soles. We report a case of a 37-year-old male with lichen planus who presented with multiple erythematous, scaly, hyperkeratotic papules on his palms and soles mimicking secondary syphilis.

Keyword

Palmoplantar lichen planus; Secondary syphilis

MeSH Terms

Adult
Hair
Humans
Lichen Planus
Lichens
Male
Mucous Membrane
Nails
Scalp
Skin
Syphilis
Syphilis

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) Scaly erythematous papules on both internal plantar arches. (B) Erythematous hyperkeratotic papules on both palms.

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  Fig. 2 (A) Hyperkeratosis and irregular acanthosis with a saw-tooth appearance and upper dermal band-like inflammatory infiltration (H&E, ×40). (B) Marked hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis (H&E, ×200). (C) Hypergranulosis, vacuolar changes of the basal cell layer and upper dermal lymphohistiocytic infiltration (H&E, ×100).

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