title: Actinic lichen planus simulating melasma.
abstract: A 23-year-old Italian woman presented with asymptomatic, symmetric, hyperpigmented patches on her face. The dermatosis became exacerbated in summer and closely resembled melasma. The histologic examination and immunofluorescence studies revealed typical features of lichen planus. Actinic lichen planus mimicking melasma is a rare dermatosis occurring mostly in women of oriental origin. The differential diagnosis of further facial melanoses will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Aloi
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Solaroli
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Giovannini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005337:Fibrin / Q000032:analysis; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000473:pathology; D006965:Hyperplasia; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000473:pathology; D007642:Keratosis / Q000473:pathology; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000473:pathology*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology; D008548:Melanosis / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D005337:Fibrin