Wart with depigmented halo and generalized vitiligo

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Immunology

Background:

• Depigmented haloes are typically associated with melanocytic or non-melanocytic tumors.
• The coexistence of warts and depigmented haloes is exceptionally rare in dermatological literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an unusual case of warts accompanied by depigmented haloes.
• To document the subsequent development of generalized vitiligo triggered by these lesions.

Main Methods:

• Clinical presentation of a 55-year-old Japanese man with brown nodules and evolving depigmented areas.
• Histopathological examination of the lesions revealing features consistent with warts (papillomatosis, hyperkeratosis, lymphocytic exocytosis).

Main Results:

• The patient presented with nodules surrounded by depigmented haloes, which progressively spread to cause generalized vitiligo.
• Histopathology confirmed the lesions as warts.
• Neither the warts nor the depigmented haloes/vitiligo showed spontaneous resolution after the appearance of haloes.

Conclusions:

• This case highlights an extremely rare presentation of warts triggering generalized vitiligo.
• The findings suggest a potential autoimmune response or unique inflammatory process initiated by warts, leading to depigmentation.