Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Roller Microneedle Combined with Tranexamic Acid Solution in Treating Melasma
Published on: January 19, 2024
Acquired patch-type blue nevus with overlying vitiligo: a case report
Peng Wang1, Yan Cheng, Hanjun Yang
1Department of Dermatovenereology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041 Chengdu, China.
Background:
Blue nevi are a group of congenital and acquired dermal melanocytoses characterized by a blue-gray appearance on the skin. The common blue nevus and cellular blue nevus are the most common subtypes. Patch-type blue nevus is rather rare.
Observations:
We describe a 77-year-old Chinese male with a 6 × 8-cm non-palpable blue patch overlaid by a depigmented patch on the back of the left scalp. Histological examination of the blue-gray patch showed numerous spindled and elongated bipolar dendritic melanocytes in the upper reticular dermis and an absence of epidermal melanocytes. Immunohistochemically, these dendritic melanocytes were positive for S-100 and HMB-45. A diagnosis of a patch-type blue nevus with overlying vitiligo was made after the biopsy.
Conclusions:
The patient presents an unusual manifestation of patch-type blue nevi with overlying vitiligo. To the best of our knowledge, these features have not been previously described.
Related Concept Videos
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
