Lichen Aureus in the Leg

Lichen aureus in the leg. Despite the name, lichen aureus is not related to lichen ruber planus. It belongs to the purpuric skin eruptions characterized by leakage of red blood cells from small vessels into the skin. In lichen aureus, this results in a solitary brown symptomless patch usually in a lower extremity. Venous disorder may predispose to the skin lesion. In differential diagnostics, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, drug reactions and coagulation disorders should be kept in mind.

Picture: Raimo Suhonen