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Cutaneous hyperpigmentation induced by doxycycline: a case series
S P Keijmel1, M E E van Kasteren, W A M Blokx
1Radboud Expert Centre for Q fever, Departments of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Dermatology, Pathology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, the Netherlands, *corresponding author: tel.: +31(0)24-3618819, fax: +31(0)24-3541734,
Abstract:
Cutaneous hyperpigmentation is a well-known side effect of tetracyclines, but doxycycline-induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation has only been described in one patient with a therapeutic dosage of doxycycline, and in one patient using suprapharmacological doses. We describe four patients with cutaneous hyperpigmentation in previously unaffected skin, and speculate that this was due to treatment with doxycycline in therapeutic doses. After cessation of therapy, the hyperpigmentation diminished in all four patients, illustrating the need for recognition and timely cessation of therapy.
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