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Hypertrophic Versus Atrophic Photoaging in Monozygotic Twins: Insights from a Unique Vitiligo Case Report
Ilaria Proietti1, Vincenzo Coppolelli2, Alberto Taliano2
1Dermatology Unit "Daniele Innocenzi", "A. Fiorini" Hospital, 04019 Terracina, Italy.
Abstract:
This report describes a case of 62-year-old monozygotic twin sisters showing markedly different patterns of cutaneous aging despite identical genetics. One twin, affected by long-standing non-segmental vitiligo, exhibited features of hypertrophic photoaging, including pronounced wrinkling and dermal thickening, while the unaffected twin showed an atrophic phenotype with smoother, thinner skin. Imaging findings supported these differences. The case highlights the complex interplay between ultraviolet exposure, genetic factors such as MC1R, and non-genetic influences, suggesting that melanocytic loss and environmental factors contribute significantly to divergent skin aging outcomes.
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