Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2025

Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy for the Quantitative Assessment of Acute Ionizing Radiation Induced Skin Toxicity Using a Mouse Model
Published on: May 27, 2016
Dermal discoloration due to osmium tetroxide
Satsuki Naruse1, Shota Takashima1, Ken Natsuga1
1Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Introduction:
Osmium tetroxide is a strong oxidizing agent. After dermal exposure to osmium tetroxide, skin discoloration and red papules can occur. We describe a patient with skin discoloration due to osmium tetroxide.
Case Summary:
A 25-year-old postgraduate student unintentionally exposed his hand to osmium tetroxide while working in a laboratory setting. After immediate washing, he sought medical care due to left middle finger discoloration. He reported no discomfort in the affected area. Thorough water rinsing was continued, and corticosteroid ointment was applied.
Images:
Our patient developed dark brown pigmentation on the ventral side of the left middle finger. The pigmentation disappeared one week later.
Conclusion:
Osmium tetroxide may induce dark brown skin discoloration.
More Related Videos
10:05Stimulation of Stem Cell Niches and Tissue Regeneration in Mouse Skin by Switchable Protoporphyrin IX-Dependent Photogeneration of Reactive Oxygen Species In Situ
Published on: May 8, 2020
04:12Author Spotlight: Non-Surgical Treatment of Melasma– Microneedling with Tranexamic Acid
Published on: January 19, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Oxidation of Alkenes: Syn Dihydroxylation with Osmium Tetraoxide
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...