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Linear Dermatitis

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Linear Dermatitis, Linear Skin Eruption, Linear Dermatologic Lesions

  • See Also
  1. Nodular Lymphangitis
  • Differential Diagnosis
  • Children
  1. See Nodular Lymphangitis
  2. Linear Lichen Planus
    1. Rare variant of Lichen Planus with unilateral, linear pruritic flat-topped purple Papules
  3. Lichen Striatus
    1. Asymptomatic flesh-colored, flat topped Papules
    2. Develop in a linear pattern typically on unilateral extremitiy (or trunk) following Blascho Lines
    3. Most common onset in age 5 months to 5 years
  4. Linear Psoriasis
    1. Rare Psoriasis form with Scaling, erythematous Plaques in a linear pattern
  5. Linear Epidermal Nevus or Inflammatory Linear Verrucous Epidermal Nevus (ILVEN)
    1. Scaly, pruritic Plaques or Papules seen in newborns and young children
    2. Progresses into thick, warty, pigmented lesions as the child ages
    3. Develops linearly on unilateral limb or trunk along Blascho Lines
  6. Incontinentia pigmenti
    1. Inherited dermatitis presenting with a Blistering rash at birth
    2. Progresses to hamartomatous growth
    3. Associated with hair, teeth and Nail Abnormalities
  7. Linear Morphea
    1. Asymmetric, linear sclerotic bands on the limbs and back
    2. May also affect deeper musculoskeletal tissue (bone, Muscle)
  8. Phytophotodermatitis
  9. Allergic Contact Dermatitis
  10. Cutaneous Larva Migrans
  • Resources
  1. Linear lesions in dermatology (IJDVL)
    1. https://ijdvl.com/linear-lesions-in-dermatology/
  • References
  1. Almquist (2022) Am Fam Physician 106(4): 453-4 [PubMed]
  2. Gallagher (2025) Am Fam Physician 111(2): 179-80 [PubMed]
  3. Kruse (2015) Pediatr Ann 44(8):e194-8 +PMID: 26312593 [PubMed]