Pediatric lichen planus pigmentosus possibly triggered by mercury dental amalgams

Pediatr Dermatol. 2020 Mar;37(2):375-376. doi: 10.1111/pde.14078. Epub 2019 Dec 26.

Abstract

Lichen planus pigmentosus is uncommon in childhood and its treatment is often challenging. We report a case of cutaneous lichen planus pigmentosus in a 10-year-old boy, without oral mucosal involvement, two months after an amalgam dental restoration. The diagnosis was based on the histopathological examination of a skin biopsy, the positive patch test to mercury, and the improvement after amalgam removal. Our case report suggests that metal allergy may play a role, and amalgam replacement may be followed by clinical improvement.

Keywords: amalgam; childhood; lichen planus pigmentosus; mercury; patch test.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Dental Amalgam / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hyperpigmentation / etiology*
  • Hyperpigmentation / pathology*
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed / complications*
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed / diagnosis
  • Lichen Planus / etiology*
  • Lichen Planus / pathology*
  • Male
  • Patch Tests

Substances

  • Dental Amalgam