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

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.