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Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Chlorpromazine-induced skin pigmentation with corneal and lens opacities
Laura S Huff, Renata Prado, Jon F Pederson
1Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado, Denver, 1665 Aurora Ct, PO Box 6510 F703, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Cory.Dunnick@ucdenver.edu.
Abstract:
Chlorpromazine is known to cause abnormal oculocutaneous pigmentation in sun-exposed areas. We present the case of a psychiatric patient who developed blue-gray pigmentation of the skin as well as corneal and lens opacities following 7 years of chlorpromazine treatment. Ten months after discontinuation of chlorpromazine, the skin discoloration and anterior lens deposits showed partial improvement, but the corneal deposits remained unchanged. A review of the literature on the reversibility of chlorpromazine-induced abnormal oculocutaneous pigmentation also is provided.
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