Imiquimod use in the genital area and development of lichen sclerosus and lichen planus

Int J STD AIDS. 2010 Mar;21(3):219-21. doi: 10.1258/ijsa.2009.009154.

Abstract

Imiquimod has immune-stimulant properties that can precipitate autoimmune conditions like eczema, psoriasis and lichenoid conditions. We report two cases here where imiquimod induced florid lichen sclerosus in one patient and lichen planus in another. In both patients the condition was so aggressive and unresponsive to steroid treatment that circumcision was necessary.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / adverse effects*
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Aminoquinolines / adverse effects*
  • Aminoquinolines / therapeutic use
  • Circumcision, Male
  • Condylomata Acuminata / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Imiquimod
  • Lichen Planus / diagnosis*
  • Lichen Planus / immunology
  • Lichen Planus / surgery
  • Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / diagnosis*
  • Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / immunology
  • Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus / surgery
  • Male

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Aminoquinolines
  • Imiquimod