Abstract
Lichen nitidus is a benign skin condition of unknown etiology that is classically described on the trunk, extremities, and genitalia as pinpoint flat-topped papules. In dark-skinned persons, the lesions may appear shiny or even hypopigmented. Lichen nitidus is less often described on the face. We describe a series of pediatric patients with skin of color who presented with the chief complaint of facial skin lightening and had associated clinical findings consistent with lichen nitidus. Lichen nitidus is a benign skin condition of unknown etiology that is classically described on the trunk, extremities, and genitalia as pinpoint flat-topped papules. In dark-skinned persons, the lesions may appear shiny or even hypopigmented. Lichen nitidus is less often described on the face. We describe a series of pediatric patients with skin of color who presented with the chief complaint of facial skin lightening and had associated clinical findings consistent with lichen nitidus.