ACTINIC LICHEN-PLANUS SIMULATING MELASMA

A 23-year-old Italian woman presented with asymptomatic, symmetric, hy perpigmented 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 occurrin g mostly in women of oriental origin. The differential diagnosis of fu rther facial melanoses will be discussed.