title: Vitiligo-like depigmentation induced by imiquimod treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma.
abstract: A 61-year-old man was treated with imiquimod 5% cream for superficial basal cell carcinoma, five times per week for 13 weeks. This resulted in vitiligo-like depigmentation and poliosis in the area of treatment. This rare side-effect has been noted in previous case reports of imiquimod treatment for both genital warts and superficial basal cell carcinoma. This highlights the importance of such a side-effect being discussed with the patient who is to be treated with imiquimod, particularly in cosmetically sensitive areas.
authors: Dermatology Department, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. lavinder01@yahoo.com
authors: Kavita
authors: K
authors: Sriprakash
authors: Amanda
authors: A
authors: Godbolt
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017496:Hypopigmentation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000634:Aminoquinolines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077271:Imiquimod