Skin microbiota linked to development of hypopigmentation in Lichen striatus

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.

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.