Frictional lichenoid dermatitis is an itchy eruption of grouped flat-topped papules on the hands, elbows, and knees that most commonly occurs in children during the spring and summer.

The condition is more likely to occur in children with an atopic predisposition and is thought to be caused by friction on the affected area.

Frictional lichenoid dermatitis has also been called frictional lichenoid eruption, recurrent papular reaction of childhood, and summertime pityriasis of the elbows and knees.

Eruption consists of grouped, 1- to 2-mm, skin-colored, flat-topped papules some coalescing into larger papules or plaques.

The distribution is very characteristic and typically occurs on the back of the hands, fingers, extensor elbows and knees, although it may occur elsewhere on the body (Fig. 8.18).

Often accompanied by mild pruritus.

Typically, there is a history of contact with an abrasive material such as sand, grasses or wool carpet, or a history of friction on the affected area.

Diagnosis is based on clinical recognition of the characteristic lesions in the typical distribution.