Lichen striatus
Frequency
Rare
Age Group
Children
Progression
Self-Limiting
Contagious
No
Linear lichen (lichen striatus) is a rare, benign inflammatory rash that appears as a narrow, slightly scaly line on the skin, usually along a limb. It mostly affects children, often causes mild or no symptoms, and usually goes away on its own within several months without leaving permanent damage.
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The exact cause of linear lichen is unknown, but it seems to be linked to how the skin develops along Blaschko lines and may be triggered by infections, minor skin injuries, vaccines, medications in pregnancy, or allergies. It is not considered contagious and usually is not clearly inherited.
Linear lichen mainly affects children and is seen a bit more often in girls and in those with allergies or atopic dermatitis. The main “risk” is temporary cosmetic concern or itching; long‑term complications or serious health problems are very rare.
Most cases of linear lichen do not need active treatment and clear on their own within 3–12 months. Moisturizing creams and, if needed, mild to moderate topical steroids can ease itching and redness, while regular photo monitoring with our AI skin analysis helps track natural healing.
There is no proven way to fully prevent linear lichen, since the exact cause is unknown. Gentle skin care, avoiding harsh irritation, and good control of allergies or eczema may help reduce triggers, while regular AI skin analysis can catch changes early and support calm monitoring.
You should see a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis if a new linear rash appears, especially in a child, or if there is nail damage, strong itching, or uncertainty about what it is. After confirmation, most cases just need periodic check‑ins and home care, which you can support by using our AI skin analysis for routine monitoring.
Linear lichen is not an emergency and usually does not require urgent care; it can safely wait for a routine dermatology appointment. Seek prompt medical attention only if the rash becomes painful, very swollen, infected, or is accompanied by fever or the child seems unwell.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a dermatologist or physician if you have any concerns.
An open comedone, or blackhead, is a small plug of oil and dead skin that blocks the opening of a pore and turns dark when exposed to air. It is a non‑inflamed form of acne and most often appears on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Blackheads are usually harmless but can be a cosmetic concern and may progress to inflamed pimples if bacteria overgrow.
Milia are tiny, white or yellowish cysts just under the surface of the skin, most often seen on the face. They are harmless, not infectious, and usually cause only cosmetic concerns rather than health problems.
A closed comedone (whitehead) is a small clogged pore where sebum and dead skin cells are trapped under a thin layer of skin. It looks like a tiny, pale or skin‑colored bump without a black dot in the center and is considered a mild, non‑inflamed form of acne.
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