Nail, skin, and scleral pigmentation induced by minocycline

Minocycline-induced cutaneous and nail bed discoloration, although uncommon, should be closely watched for during treatment. The initial changes may be subtle and may mimic other processes that may deceive both patient and physician. Patients should be counseled about the remote possibility of pigmentation with the understanding that any such changes should resolve upon discontinuation of the drug. The time required for resolution depends upon the degree of pigmentation and may take longer than a year in extensive cases.