Zosteriform Lichen Planus Pigmentosus Altering Segmental Vitiligo

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Clinical Case Study

Background:

• Segmental vitiligo (SV) is a depigmentation disorder characterized by localized patches of skin lacking pigment.
• The etiology of vitiligo is complex, involving autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors.

Observation:

• A 22-year-old student presented with a 3-year history of hyperpigmented macules and patches on his trunk.
• These lesions began on the left side and coalesced, spreading across the midline.
• The onset and spread of hyperpigmentation coincided with his right-sided SV crossing the midline onto the left trunk.

Findings:

• The patient had a 7-8 year history of right-sided segmental vitiligo.
• The vitiligo began to cross the midline onto the left chest and back.
• Simultaneously, hyperpigmented lesions appeared and spread on the trunk, mirroring the vitiligo's spread.

Implications:

• This case suggests a potential association between segmental vitiligo and the development of hyperpigmented skin lesions.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms connecting depigmentation and hyperpigmentation in this context.
• This observation may inform differential diagnoses for patients presenting with both vitiligo and atypical hyperpigmentation.