Lichen Planus Pigmentosus on Indian Skin

A 42-year-old Indian woman with Fitzpatrick IV skin presents with a 2-year history of insidious, asymptomatic slate-gray to dark brown macules and patches on the forehead, temples, and lateral neck. The lesions are ill-defined, non-scaly, and lack the classic Wickham striae. Dermoscopy reveals diffuse brownish-gray dots, globules, and short linear structures. The structure marked **C** in the diagram is suspected based on these clinical and dermoscopic findings. Which of the following histopathological findings is MOST characteristic of this condition and distinguishes it from other pigmentary disorders in skin of color?