Abstract

Melasma and vitiligo are acquired pigmentary disorders with seemingly opposite pathophysiological mechanisms. While melasma is characterized by increased melanin production with preservation of functional melanocytes, vitiligo corresponds to acquired depigmentation secondary to the functional or structural loss of these cells. The coexistence of both entities represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We report the case of a 48-year-old woman with concomitant facial melasma and non-segmental vitiligo. Diagnosis was established through clinical examination and Wood’s lamp evaluation, which highlighted depigmented lesions characteristic of vitiligo alongside reticulated hyperpigmented patches consistent with melasma. This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges that arise when two pigmentary disorders with opposing pathophysiological mechanisms occur simultaneously.

Keywords

cutaneous hyperpigmentation, melanocytes, melasma, nonsegmental vitiligo, skin pigmentation disorders