Induction of Dramatic Hyperpigmentation in a Patient with Generalized Lichen Planus Treated with Re-PUVA

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.