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Induction of dramatic hyperpigmentation in a patient with generalized lichen planus treated with re-PUVA

  • Case Reports
  • Published:
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery: Incorporating Medical and Surgical Dermatology

Abstract

Background

Retinoids plus PUVA (re-PUVA) may be used in the treatment of lichen planus in cases that do not respond to monotherapy. Hyperpigmentation is a potential side effect of re-PUVA therapy.

Objective

A case of remarkably intense transient hyperpigmentation secondary to re-PUVA therapy is presented.

Methods and Results

An 18-year-old male with lichen planus who had been taking isotretinoin 80 mg per day for seven days developed an exaggerated hyperpigmentation following the third dose of PUVA.

Conclusion

As the hyperpigmentary reaction did not occur until the third PUVA dose, which was near the steady state of isotretinoin, this case may illustrate a case of photosensitization secondary to isotretinoin alone or isotretinoin in combination.

Sommaire

Antécédents

Les rétinoïdes associés à la puvathérapie (re-PUVA) peuvent servir au traitement du lichen plan dans les cas où la monothérapie a échoué. Cette thérapie présente cependant un effet secondaire possible: l’hyperpigmentation.

Objectif

Présenter un cas d’hyperpigmentation temporaire marquée, consécutive à un traitement re-PUVA.

Methodes et Resultats

Un jeune homme de 18 ans, souffrant de lichen plan et traité à l’isotrétinoïne par doses quotidiennes de 80 mg pendant sept jours, a présenté une hyperpigmentation exagérée à la suite de la troisième dose de puvathérapie.

Conclusion

Puisque la réaction pigmentaire ne s’est manifestée qu’à la troisième dose de puvathérapie, lorsque l’isotrétinoïne était proche de son état stable, ce cas illustre une photosensibilisation causée.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

    Christopher S. Carlin, Scott R. Florell & Gerald G. Krueger

Authors
  1. Christopher S. Carlin
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  2. Scott R. Florell
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  3. Gerald G. Krueger
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gerald G. Krueger.

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Carlin, C.S., Florell, S.R. & Krueger, G.G. Induction of dramatic hyperpigmentation in a patient with generalized lichen planus treated with re-PUVA. J Cutan Med Surg 6, 125–127 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10227-001-0036-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10227-001-0036-7

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