[Childhood actinic lichen planus (6 cases)].

INTRODUCTION: Actinic lichen planus (ALP) is a chronic and benign disease that affects young people of the Middle East and Maghreb countries.

PURPOSE: To analyse clinical features and prognosis of ALP in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive study of cases observed in the department of dermatology of Sfax hospital over a period of 11 years (1995-2005).

RESULTS: Our patients were 5 boys and 1 girl. Mean age at diagnosis was 11 years. Onset was during the summer in 5 cases. The face was involved in 5 cases and the upper limb in 3 cases. The annular form was found in 5 cases, the pigmented melasma-like form in 1. Cheilitis was associated in 3 cases. Treatment consisted in photoprotection in all the patients. Antimalaria drugs were used in 4 patients and topical steroids in 2. Evolution was favourable in 5 cases. Disease relapsed in one child after treatment interruption.

CONCLUSION: ALP can be seen during childhood. Ultraviolet rays are involved in pathogenesis. The annular form is predominant. Treatment is based on sun protection associated with antimalarials or topical steroids.