A First-of-Its-Kind Case of Annular Lichenoid Dermatitis of Youth (ALDY) From Kuwait

Annular lichenoid dermatitis of youth (ALDY) is a rare, benign lichenoid dermatosis characterized by annular lesions and distinctive histopathologic features, including lichenoid interface dermatitis with prominent basal keratinocyte apoptosis localized to the tips of rete ridges. Although originally described in children, adult-onset cases are increasingly recognized. We report the first case of ALDY in Kuwait (to the best of our knowledge) in a 37-year-old Kuwaiti man with a four-year history of an asymptomatic erythematous patch on the left flank. Histopathology showed classic quadrangular rete ridge changes with a benign lymphocytic infiltrate and a near-equal CD4:CD8 ratio. Recognition of ALDY is essential to avoid misdiagnosis, particularly with early mycosis fungoides, and to ensure appropriate conservative management.