Diseases and Conditions
Lichen nitidus
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Complications
Diagnosis
Treatment
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Causes
The cause of lichen nitidus is unknown. The papules that appear are the result of inflammation controlled by white blood cells called T lymphocytes. Normally, these cells work to heal disease or injury, such as a cut on your finger. Doctors and researchers don't know what prompts T lymphocytes to be activated in lichen nitidus.