A Case Report and Literature Review of the Role of Dupilumab in the Management of Lichen Planus: Cause or Treatment?

Cureus. 2023 Jul 2;15(7):e41274. doi: 10.7759/cureus.41274. eCollection 2023 Jul.

Abstract

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by the six Ps (ie. purple, planar, polygonal, pruritic, plaques, and papules) often causing physical, emotional, and psychological stress for the person affected. Drug-induced LP has been described after the administration of drugs like antihypertensives, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and biologics like adalimumab and etanercept. Currently, there is a dearth of studies discussing the association between LP and dupilumab. Here, we present the case of a young adult female who developed LP 24 months after treatment with dupilumab for severe atopic dermatitis. We also conducted a review of the literature discussing the association between LP and dupilumab.

Keywords: atopic dermatitis; autoimmune-mediated inflammatory dermatosis; drug-induced lp; dupilumab; interleukin 13; interleukin-4; lichen planus; lichenified drug eruption; t-cell-mediated immune response.

Publication types

  • Case Reports