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Pearly nodule
Redness of the skin
Skin is dark and hard
Small bumps (like goose bumps) on your skin
There is a sore on the side
Rough rash in genital area
Leg rash
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
Lichen nitidus is a skin condition characterized by small bumps or papules that develop due to inflammation of an unknown cause. While it can affect people of all ages, it is commonly seen in young adults. The condition is harmless, not contagious, and rarely causes any discomfort.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
Lichen nitidus usually does not require medical treatment. For persistent symptoms that cause discomfort, treatment may include medicated creams or ointments, or phototherapy.
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Apr 21, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Q.
Niacinamide for Women: Achieving Radiant, Healthy Skin
A.
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can help women achieve radiant, healthy skin by strengthening the barrier, evening tone and texture, calming redness, balancing oil and supporting smoother, firmer skin, with good tolerance for sensitive types. There are several factors to consider, including choosing 2 to 5 percent formulas, layering after cleansing, pairing with sunscreen, hyaluronic acid, ceramides or retinoids, and knowing potential mild irritation and when to seek medical care. See details below on safe use, diet versus topical benefits, compatibility with acne treatments and what to do if you notice unusual bumps or rashes.
References:
* Draelos ZD, Matsubara T, Doi H. Niacinamide: A Topical Vitamin with Broad Skin Benefits. J Drugs Dermatol. 2014 Apr;13(4):450-7. PMID: 24795123.
* Krolikowski AP, Błaszkowski T, Walentynowicz-Wojniłowicz E, Nykiel I, Płachta-Danielczyk A, Czarnowus E. Niacinamide in dermatology. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Mar;21(3):1042-1048. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14777. Epub 2022 Feb 7. PMID: 35133642.
* Zmudzka I, Kołodziejczak A, Rotsztejn H. Niacinamide: Mechanism of Action and Its Topical Application in Dermatology. Cosmetics. 2022 Jul 26;9(4):75. doi: 10.3390/cosmetics9040075. eCollection 2022 Jul. PMID: 35928825.
* Tanno O, Ota Y, Kitamura N, Katsube T, Inoue S. The effect of niacinamide on the structure and function of the skin barrier. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2000 Oct;22(5):329-37. doi: 10.1046/j.1467-2494.2000.00058.x. PMID: 17147561.
* Soliman F, Abdel-Meguid N. Topical niacinamide-based products for the treatment of melasma: A systematic review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 Feb;23(2):503-509. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16075. Epub 2023 Dec 11. PMID: 38341113.
Q.
Vitamin B3 for Seniors: Supporting Brain & Skin Health
A.
There are several factors to consider. For seniors, vitamin B3 as niacinamide supports brain energy, cognitive function, and skin barrier health, is typically better tolerated than niacin without flushing, and should be obtained through food first, with supplements used carefully since high doses can cause side effects. See below for food sources, who is at higher risk of low intake, how to use supplements safely, red flags and side effects, and when to speak with a doctor including if you have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, or gout, as these details may shape your next steps.
References:
* Al-Khalifa S, Nance E, Ma H, Nance B, Nance M, Ma M. Role of Niacin and Nicotinamide in the Central Nervous System: An Overview. Cells. 2021 May 26;10(6):1293. doi: 10.3390/cells10061293. PMID: 34073847; PMCID: PMC8197799.
* Green M, Huang X. Therapeutic Potential of Niacin and Niacin Derivatives in Alzheimer's Disease. Mol Neurobiol. 2017 Jun;54(5):3412-3420. doi: 10.1007/s12035-016-9937-2. Epub 2016 May 21. PMID: 27210134.
* Rolfe HM. A review of the evidence for the use of topical and oral nicotinamide in dermatology. Br J Dermatol. 2014 Dec;171(6):1343-9. doi: 10.1111/bjd.13247. PMID: 25078864.
* Puza C, Barbagallo F, Murphree DT, Messina JL, Fenske NA. Oral nicotinamide for skin cancer chemoprevention: a review of the literature. Int J Dermatol. 2019 Nov;58(11):1243-1250. doi: 10.1111/ijd.14620. Epub 2019 Oct 7. PMID: 31592358.
* Chen AC, Damian DL. Nicotinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging skin. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012 Nov;5(11):28-31. PMID: 23197669; PMCID: PMC3506161.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1Schwartz C, Goodman MB. Lichen Nitidus. 2021 Jul 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 31869173.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551709/Agharbi FZ. Lichen nitidus. Pan Afr Med J. 2019 Jan 22;32:39. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2019.32.39.13564. PMID: 31143344; PMCID: PMC6522184.
https://panafrican-med-journal.com/content/article/32/39/full/Jordan AS, Green MC, Sulit DJ. Lichen Nitidus. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2019 Oct 1;119(10):704. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2019.119. PMID: 31566698.
https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7556/jaoa.2019.119/html