With the arrival of warm weather, some children develop a peculiar rash with small flat bumps on their elbows, knees, or hands. This is a benign and little-known condition called frictional dermatitis, also known as frictional lichenoid dermatitis. In this post, I’ll explain what it is, how it’s diagnosed, whether it carries any risks, and what to do if it appears.
What Is Frictional Dermatitis?
Frictional dermatitis is a benign skin eruption that usually affects school-aged children. It typically appears in the summer months, presenting as small, flat, skin-colored or whitish bumps that may itch. These lesions often appear in areas of repetitive rubbing or friction, such as the elbows, knees, and backs of the hands.

This condition has been known by many different names (reflecting the uncertainty around its exact cause): “juvenile papular dermatitis,” “frictional lichenoid eruption,” or even “slide dermatitis” (due to its association with play on friction-inducing surfaces).
How Is Frictional Dermatitis Diagnosed?
The diagnosis is clinical, meaning it’s based on what we see during a skin exam and the patient’s context. Affected children are usually otherwise healthy, with no other skin diseases, and the lesions appear exclusively during the summer.
The lesions have a typical distribution: small, flat, skin-colored tiny bumps, sometimes accompanied by mild redness or signs of scratching. Parents often consult because of the rash, especially if it itches, though it’s usually not very bothersome.
A biopsy or other tests are rarely needed unless the diagnosis is unclear. In such cases, it’s important to rule out other conditions that might look similar, such as keratosis pilaris, lichen nitidus, or polymorphic light eruption.
Is Frictional Dermatitis Dangerous?
No, it’s not dangerous. This is a mild, temporary skin condition with no serious consequences. It doesn’t affect internal organs, doesn’t leave scars, and has no long-term effects.
It often resolves on its own by the end of the summer, even without treatment. There is no clear association with atopic dermatitis, although some overlap may occur in certain cases.
How Is Frictional Dermatitis Treated?
In many cases, no active treatment is needed, as it tends to disappear spontaneously. However, if the lesions are itchy or bothersome, the following measures can help:
- Moisturizing creams or emollients to soothe and protect the skin
- Mild topical corticosteroids for a few days, if there’s significant itching or inflammation
The most important thing is not to worry because this is not a serious or contagious condition. No special preventive measures are needed, although reducing friction (e.g., wearing looser clothing or avoiding rough play surfaces) may help.
In Summary
Frictional dermatitis is a benign, seasonal, and self-limiting condition. Knowing about it helps avoid unnecessary concern or overtreatment.