Multiple keratoses and squamous carcinoma after PUVA treatment of vitiligo.

PUVA is known to be carcinogenic when used in the treatment of psoriasis. To date skin cancer has not been demonstrated after PUVA treatment of vitiligo. We report a patient in whom multiple squamous cell carcinomata and keratoses developed in vitiligo areas after a prolonged course of PUVA. PUVA therapy of vitiligo induces repigmentation of affected skin in some patients. An increased frequency of cutaneous neoplasms in depigmented areas is a potential hazard, as in these sites the photoprotective effect of melanin is lacking.