[Minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation: not uncommon, but nonetheless important to recognise]

Minocycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic from the group of tetracyclins, is frequently prescribed for acne vulgaris and rosacea. Hyperpigmentation is a relatively common side effect of this drug and can lead to multiple unsightly skin lesions, which are not always reversible. It can take a long period, from a few months to several years, before the lesions have completely vanished.

A 24-year-old male was seen in our outpatient clinic because of slowly progressive pigmented lesions on his shins. His medical history included chronic use of minocycline for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Based on the morphology of the lesions, the patient's medical history and analysis of a skin biopsy, the diagnosis 'minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation type 2'was made.

Hyperpigmentation is a relatively common and undesirable side-effect of minocycline use. Long-term prescription of this drug for more than one year should therefore be considered with caution, especially if the dose exceeds 100 milligrams per day.