A 25-year-old Caucasian female with multiple genital warts involving the vulvar area
was treated with imiquimod 5% cream. During follow-up the patient developed areas of
hypopigmentation at the site of application of imiquimod cream and areas of
hypomelanosis around multiple preexisting nevi of the trunk. At 18 months follow-up
genital depigmentation persisted and halo nevi of the trunk were still present.
Different mechanisms of imiquimod-induced depigmentation have been reported. Halo
nevi are considered expression of an autoimmune response. In the case presented here,
it might be conceivable that both vitiligo-like depigmentation at the site of
application and halo of hypomelanosis around melanocytic nevi have been induced by
the same immunologic mechanism elicited by topical application of imiquimod.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.