Psoriasiform-lichenoid dermatosis is a rare skin disease first described in English Springer Spaniels. A 1986 report followed three unrelated Springers whose skin trouble started when they were young, between about 4 and 18 months old [1]. Because it turned up in one breed, the authors suspected a breed link [1]. Whether it is inherited has not been proven.
Have your vet check any red, scaly bumps or patches on your dog’s ears or groin. Other skin problems can look the same.
Signs
In the dogs described, the first changes were red bumps and raised, ridged patches inside the ear canal and in the groin [1].
Over time, scale and firmly stuck crusts of keratin (the tough protein of the outer skin) built up in those areas [1]. Later, some dogs also had them on the lips and eyelids and near the anus, and a few on the chest wall and legs [1]. One dog also had changes on the nose, with loss of color there [1].
Vets group this disease with the seborrhea disorders, the conditions that cause scaly or greasy skin [1].
How vets diagnose it
The red bumps and raised patches help set this disease apart from other scaly skin problems, but a skin biopsy read by a pathologist is what confirms it [1]. Your vet will look at your dog’s skin and may run tests to rule out other causes of red, scaly skin. For how vets do this, see how vets diagnose skin problems in dogs and cats.
A similar skin reaction has also been reported in adult dogs of many breeds that were taking certain medicines that calm the immune system, usually together with a bacterial skin infection [2]. So tell your vet about every medicine your dog takes.
Other skin diseases in dogs also cause scale or greasy skin, such as ichthyosis and sebaceous adenitis. For scaly skin in general, see dog dandruff and dry, flaky skin.
Treatment
Your vet will advise on treatment for your dog. In the Springer Spaniels first described, the disease was hard to treat, and some medicines only made it less severe [1]. In the dogs with the medicine-linked form, most got much better once the skin infection was treated and their vet changed the medicine [2].
At home, as directed by a vet:
- do not pick at the scales or bumps;
- do not use human or leftover products on your dog’s skin unless your vet says so;
- go back for every recheck.
Outlook
In the Springer Spaniels followed for months to years, the skin got better and worse in turns [1]. This can be a long-term problem to manage with your vet.
These are reports on small groups of dogs. They cannot predict how one dog will do. Your vet can explain what this means for your dog.
When to see your vet
See your vet if your dog has:
- red bumps or raised patches in or near the ears or groin [1];
- scale or stuck-on crusts on those bumps or patches [1];
- new skin changes on the lips, eyelids or near the anus [1];
- new skin changes while taking a medicine for the immune system or for itchy skin [2].
The bottom line
Psoriasiform-lichenoid dermatosis is a rare skin disease first described in young English Springer Spaniels, and it seems to be linked to the breed. Only a vet can tell what is causing red, scaly skin, and your vet will advise on treatment.
This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your veterinarian. If your dog has red, scaly bumps or patches, see your vet.
Sources
- Mason KV, Halliwell RE, McDougal BJ. Characterization of lichenoid-psoriasiform dermatosis of springer spaniels. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1986;189(8):897-901. PubMed abstract. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2945806/
- Davis ER, Mauldin EA, Cain CL, Cole S, Bradley CW. Clinical Features, Treatment and Outcomes of Dogs With Psoriasiform Lichenoid Dermatosis Associated With Calcineurin Inhibitor Therapy. Vet Dermatol. 2026;37(1):51-64. PubMed abstract. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40976650/