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Skin pigmentation associated with minocycline therapy
1Department of Dermatology, Osaka University School of Medicine, Japan.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Long-term minocycline treatment can cause blue-black skin discoloration due to iron-containing pigment deposits. Minocycline was detected in the affected skin tissue, confirming its role in this adverse effect.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used for various infections and inflammatory conditions.
- Long-term use of minocycline has been associated with various side effects, including skin pigmentation.
Observation:
- A patient on long-term minocycline therapy presented with blue-black discoloration on the legs.
- Skin biopsy revealed pigmented granules in dermal macrophages and subcutaneous fat.
- Thyroid tissue also showed fine brown granules in follicular epithelial cells.
Findings:
- Microscopic examination confirmed electron-dense granules within dermal macrophages.
- Energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis identified iron within these granules.
- High-performance liquid chromatography detected minocycline in skin extracts from pigmented areas.
Implications:
- This study elucidates the mechanism of minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation.
- The findings suggest iron deposition as a key factor in the observed skin discoloration.
- Awareness of this potential side effect is crucial for clinicians managing patients on long-term minocycline therapy.