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Updated: May 27, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Dysfunction of melanocytes in photoleukomelanoderma following photosensitivity caused by hydrochlorothiazide
Eriko Masuoka1, Toshinori Bito, Hideki Shimizu
1Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Related, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.
Abstract:
We report a 68-year-old Japanese man who developed photoleukomelanoderma following prolonged photosensitivity caused by hydrochlorothiazide. He showed complete recovery from the leukomelanoderma with the discontinuation of the responsive drug and with topical application of tacrolimus hydrate and corticosteroid. Histological and immunohistochemical examination revealed that there were no melanin-positive cells in the hypopigmented area, despite the presence of melanocytes. These results and the clinical course indicate that leukomelanoderma is postulated temporary dysfunction of melanocytes. We also conducted a review of previous case reports regarding drug-induced photoleukomelanoderma.
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