The CX3C-chemokine fractalkine (CX3CL1) is detectable in serum of patients affected by active pityriasis rosea

1366 JEADV 2006, 20, 1328–1399 © 2006 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology patients also had normal skin in malar areas. The malar areas are also well known to be frequently involved in pigmentary diseases such as melasma. It could be hypothesized that the melanocyte clones in those areas are more likely to survive and produce pigment or that sunlight plays some role in protecting them. However, these hypotheses have not been proved. Although dermatologists are able to diagnose patients with universal vitiligo, the diagnosis is often disregarded due to its rarity. Physicians need to make thorough inquiries and carry out careful examinations such as Wood’s lamp examination and skin biopsy in patients with suspected hyperpigmented macules, especially when the patient appears to be fair-skinned.