Lichen planus affecting a 12-year-old girl

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous condition which is relatively common in adults but rarely affects children. In addition, few cases with oral lesions affecting children have been reported in the literature. The purpose of this study is to report an unusual case of oral LP involving the tongue and buccal mucosa in a child. A 12-year-old girl complained of painless oral lesions with 18 months of evolution. On clinical evaluation, multiple white lesions in tongue and buccal mucosa were observed with no cutaneous lesions. Diagnosis was made based on clinical examination and histopathological features. No active treatment was necessary. The patient is currently under regular evaluation. Although rarely reported in childhood, lichen planus should be considered in a differential diagnosis of hyperkeratotic and/or reticular lesions of the oral mucosa in children.