A Rare Tale of Two Colours: A Sporadic Case of Dyschromatosis Universalis Hereditaria

Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria (DUH) is a rare genodermatosis, typically inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, though autosomal recessive inheritance has also been reported. It belongs to the group of reticulate pigmentary disorders and is characterised by the presence of both hyperpigmented and hypopigmented macules distributed symmetrically across the body, particularly involving the dorsal aspects of the extremities, face, and trunk. We report a rare sporadic case of DUH in a 14-year-old boy who presented with multiple small, non-progressive dyschromic macules on the dorsal surfaces of the upper and lower extremities, face, trunk, and oral mucosa. No neurological abnormalities were noted, and family history was non-contributory. The diagnosis was confirmed based on clinical evaluation and histopathological findings, which revealed basal layer hypermelanosis and the presence of melanophages in the superficial dermis within hyperpigmented lesions.