Work

Treatment of vitiligo-like actinic keratosis with photodynamic therapy: A case report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Hypopigmented actinic keratosis is a rare variant that clinically mimics vitiligo, posing significant diagnostic challenges. METHODS: We report a case of a 66-year-old Chinese woman with a long-standing hypopigmented patch on her cheek, complicated by central erythema and scaling. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology, and the patient underwent treatment with 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT). RESULTS: The lesion resolved completely after three sessions of ALA-PDT, with remarkable repigmentation observed in the previously depigmented area. CONCLUSIONS: ALA-PDT is an effective and cosmetically favorable treatment for hypopigmented actinic keratosis, offering the dual advantage of lesion clearance and pigment restoration.

Source: Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy

DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2026.105492

Authors: Ting Lv, Ke Li, Wenjing Zha, Yitao Qian, Lei Shi

Institutions: Fudan University, Huadong Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Studies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,610