RELATED STORIES • Lichen sclerosus WOMEN'S HEALTH Hair/Nails/Skin • Corns and calluses • Diaper rash • Nail fungus • Shingles • Ingrown toenails • Moles • Acne • Psoriasis • Hair loss • Sweating and body odor • Rosacea • Hives and angioedema • Athlete's foot • Dermatitis/Eczema • Cold sore • Common warts • Cellulitis • Anal itching • Dandruff • Impetigo • Boils and carbuncles • Ringworm of the body • Jock itch • Plantar warts • Folliculitis • Dry skin • Actinic keratosis • Bedsores (Pressure sores) • Vitiligo • Lipoma • Tinea versicolor • Acanthosis nigricans • Molluscum contagiosum • Neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus) • Morphea • Pityriasis rosea • Lichen nitidus • Bullous pemphigoid • Pyoderma gangrenosum • Lichen sclerosus • Ichthyosis vulgaris • Pilonidal cyst • Pemphigus • Sweet's syndrome • Sacral dimple • Dermatographia • Keratosis pilaris • Poison ivy rash • Lichen planus • Granuloma annulare • Dyshidrosis • Hidradenitis suppurativa • Henoch-Schonlein purpura • Hemangioma

Note: All links within content go to MayoClinic.com

Lichen (LI-kun) nitidus is a rare, noncancerous skin condition. It consists of tiny, skin-colored bumps (papules) that often appear in clusters on the surface of your skin, especially on the arms and legs. The cause of lichen nitidus is unknown.

Lichen nitidus may affect anyone, but typically develops in children and young adults. While lichen nitidus may be annoying, it's harmless. Even without treatment, lichen nitidus usually disappears over time.

Lichen nitidus appears as numerous skin-colored, shiny papules on your skin. The pinpoint- to pinhead-sized bumps usually appear in clusters and may resemble warts. Papules most often occur on the following skin surfaces:

• Body trunk
• Legs and forearms
• Genitalia

Other sites where lichen nitidus occurs less frequently include:

• Palms of your hands and soles of your feet
• Fingernails or toenails
• Mucous membranes (mouth, nose, vagina and anus)

Other than its appearance on your skin, lichen nitidus usually doesn't cause any symptoms. Occasionally, the papules may itch.

The cause of lichen nitidus is unknown. However, it may be occasionally seen with the following other conditions:

• Lichen planus. This is an inflammatory skin condition causing an itchy rash on your arms, legs and trunk and soreness in your mouth.
• Amenorrhea. The absence of a monthly menstrual period is called amenorrhea.
• Crohn's disease. Crohn's disease causes an ongoing inflammation of your intestinal tract.
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This is a painful, chronic swelling of the joints that affects children.

Lichen nitidus is most likely to develop in children and young adults.

If you develop an unexplained skin problem, such as a rash, or if you notice a mole, freckle or bump that is changing in size, shape or color, talk to your doctor.

Lichen nitidus is often discovered when the papules suddenly emerge on the skin. Your doctor can determine whether you have lichen nitidus by its characteristic appearance or by taking a small sample of tissue (biopsy) and examining the tissue under a microscope.

There are no medical complications associated with lichen nitidus. However, it may be bothersome to deal with this condition, especially if it persists for a long time.

Lichen nitidus is a harmless skin condition that usually gets better on its own after several years, so you and your doctor may decide not to treat it at all. Or you may choose to seek therapy for cosmetic reasons. The treatment options for lichen nitidus include:

• Steroids. Corticosteroids applied on your skin (topical) may reduce inflammation.
• Antihistamines. These medications work by inhibiting a chemical called histamine, which is involved in your body's immune response. Antihistamines can help relieve itchy skin.
• Retinoids. Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, serve to regulate skin cell growth.
• Phototherapy. This therapy involves exposing your skin to natural or artificial light (ultraviolet light). Doctors use this technique to treat a variety of skin disorders.

Your doctor can help determine which of these therapies might be suitable for you.

You can't prevent lichen nitidus.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, so protecting it is essential to your overall well-being. Here are a few tips for taking care of your skin:

• Prepare for the sun. At least 30 minutes before you head outdoors — winter or summer — generously apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater. You may need to apply sunscreen more often if you are sweating or swimming.
• Watch your skin. If you notice a mole, freckle or bump that is changing in size, shape or color, talk to your doctor.