Lichen sclerosus et atrophicus affecting the wrists and left ankle and clinically simulating lichen planus

Lichen scleroses et atrophicus (LSA) is a disease of unknown etiology, alth ough hereditary, endocrine, and autoimmune factors are known to be involved . Although the anal and genital regions are predominantly affected, 2.5% of patients only present with extragenital lesions-particularly of the trunk, neck, and upper limbs. The wrists, palmoplantar regions, nipples, and face are less commonly involved. The possible relationship between LSA and both lichen planes and localized scleroderma (morphea) has not been clearly est ablished, although in a number of cases, several of these conditions have b een found simultaneously. We report the case of a 61-year-old woman with LS A lesions affecting only the wrists and left ankle. The unusual character o f this presentation is pointed out, along with its clinical similarity to l ichen planes.