In a ground-breaking study, researchers have delved into the intricate world of Lichen Striatus (LS) an acquired skin disorder that often manifests in childhood. They found that skin microbiota may play a potential role in the development of hypopigmentation and a treatment target to reduce the duration of LS and alleviate hypopigmentation.
The study results were published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology.

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LS is characterized by a distinct linear pattern along Blaschko's lines, and while the lesions typically regress within months, up to 50% of cases exhibit a lingering issue—hypopigmentation. Unlike many other inflammatory skin conditions, LS shows an unusually high incidence of hypopigmentation, leaving scientists puzzled about the root cause. Hence, researchers conducted a study with the primary objective of unraveling the mysteries surrounding LS-associated hypopigmentation by scrutinizing the differences in the skin microbiome between LS patients with and without this specific manifestation.
Employing cutting-edge techniques the researchers utilized whole genome sequencing of skin biopsies and conducted meticulous bioinformatics analyses.

Findings:
The results were nothing short of revelatory.
Certain microbes, notably Cutibacterium acnes, commonly associated with hypopigmented skin disorders, were more abundant in patients with LS exhibiting hypopigmentation than in those without this characteristic.
This discovery brings a new dimension to our understanding of LS and its intricate relationship with hypopigmentation. While the exact mechanisms linking these microbes to hypopigmentation remain to be fully elucidated, the study opens up promising avenues for future research and potential therapeutic interventions.
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The implications of these findings are far-reaching. The skin microbiota, it appears, may play a pivotal role in the development of hypopigmentation in LS. This insight not only sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of LS but also presents a compelling case for considering the skin microbiome as a viable treatment target. If the microbial composition in the skin can be modulated or targeted, it could pave the way for innovative treatments to reduce both the duration of LS and the associated hypopigmentation.
Further reading: Yu Y, Lee B, Shin K, et al. Association between the skin microbiome and lichen striatus hypopigmentation: Cutibacterium acnes as a potential cause. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Published online January 3, 2024. doi:10.1111/jdv.19746