Concomitant vitiligo and psoriasis in a patient treated with interferon alfa-2a for chronic hepatitis B infection

Seckin D., Durusoy C., Sahin S.

PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, vol.21, no.5, pp.577-579, 2004 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 21 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2004
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/j.0736-8046.2004.21512.x
  • Journal Name: PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.577-579
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Well-known cutaneous side effects of interferon (IFN)-alfa therapy include dry skin, pruritus, hair loss, and psoriasis. Presumably because of its potent immunomodulatory activity, the use of IFN-alfa has also led to the development of autoimmune diseases in susceptible individuals. Vitiligo, an autoimmune cutaneous disease, has been reported to occur during IFN-alfa therapy. We report a 10-year-old girl with chronic hepatitis B infection in whom IFN-alfa treatment induced de novo development of vitiligo and psoriasis. Neither skin condition improved after withdrawal of interferon treatment. Concomitant occurrence of vitiligo and psoriasis due to IFN-alfa has not been reported previously.