Associated localization of morphea and lichen planus of the lip in a patient with vitiligo

Abstract

Morphea, lichen planus and vitiligo are common diseases, but seldom associated. Morphea or lichen planus in the lips have not frequently been reported, and an associated localization of both lesions in the lip mucosa is indeed a rare event. A case of morphea and lichen planus localized in the upper lip mucosa in a patient with vitiligo is reported. Immunohistochemistry revealed a clear prevalence of T-lymphocytes in the inflammatory infiltrates of morphea and in the band-like infiltrate of the lichen, a finding consistent with previous reports of morphea, lichen planus, and vitiligo. The inverse ratio found between CD8+ and CD4+ lymphocytes, compared to other reports, seems to confirm that the pathogenesis of morphea and lichen planus evolves through different stages. The present report, besides presenting a rare case, may prompt to consider a common pathogenesis among morphea, lichen planus and vitiligo.