Lichen aureus: A case report and histopathological presentation of a rare subtype of pigmented purpuric dermatoses

Lichen aureus (LA) is a rare subtype of pigmented purpuric dermatoses (PPD) first reported in 1985 (1). It is a chronic dermatological condition of unknown cause, which results in purpuric, rust or golden coloured ovoid or nummular patches usually over the lower limbs. Its peak demographic is in young adults, but has been also reported in childhood and old age. It can also affect the upper limbs and trunk. We present a case of a 15 year old lady with multiple lesions present since early childhood, with a histology proven diagnosis of LA. This case serves to fortify the scant literature available for this persistent, rare condition, especially in a patient with LA since childhood. The clinical photographs and histology slides presented will serve to challenge our colleagues to consider this differential in their clinical practice while discussing the features seen on histopathology. Lastly, the treatment of LA is a challenge, thus more research is needed urgently to formulate a best practice management regimen for LA, a condition that affects a body‐conscious demographic of our population.