Lichen nitidus is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown
etiology characterized by 1–2 mm, discrete and uniform, shiny, flat-topped, pale flesh-colored or reddish-brown
papules that may appear as
hypopigmented against dark skin. Occasionally, minimal scaling is present or can be induced by rubbing the surface of the papules. The disease usually affects children and young adults and is painless and usually
nonpruritic, although protracted itching may occur in some cases. It is sometimes referred to by dermatologists as "mini
lichen planus".