Lichen planus following varicose vein surgery

Abstract

Six weeks after varicose vein surgery, a patient presented with an intensely irritating, florid, purple, papular rash. This matched the line of long saphenous vein stripping and avulsions perfectly. A diagnosis of lichen planus was made by a consultant dermatologist and confirmed histologically by biopsy. Treatment with topical corticosteroids resulted in a dramatic improvement and the rash healed to leave pigmentation.