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Minocycline-induced pigmentation mimicking persistent ecchymosis
Sherry Youssef1, Kathy Kim Langevin, Lorraine C Young
1George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Cutis
|September 12, 2009
Summary
Minocycline medication can cause skin discoloration, appearing as bluish black patches that mimic bruising. This case highlights an unusual presentation of minocycline-induced pigmentation following an ankle fracture.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Minocycline is an antibiotic commonly used for acne and other infections.
- Drug-induced pigmentation is a known side effect of minocycline, but presentations can vary.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a persistent (20 months) bluish black discoloration on the left ankle after an avulsion fracture.
- The discoloration mimicked persistent ecchymosis (bruising).
Findings:
- The discoloration was diagnosed as minocycline-induced pigmentation.
- This case represents an unusual manifestation of this drug side effect.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider drug-induced pigmentation in the differential diagnosis of persistent skin discoloration, even with unusual presentations.
- Awareness of minocycline's potential to cause varied pigmentation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and patient management.
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