The role of diazepam in skin hyperpigmentation

Dermabrasion of the face for multiple conditions requiring reconstructive surgery continues to be a valuable procedure. An important complication of the procedure, however, in the form of hyperpigmentation, led to a search for the cause. When normal anatomic studies failed to indicate a valid reason for this complication in a female patient, further search revealed a biochemical reason-diazepam (Valium). Treatment with a bleaching agent, hydroquinone ointment, reversed the hyperpigmentation and led to a permanent satisfactory result.