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When Antibiotics Leave a Mark: Minocycline-Induced Hyperpigmentation
Clarissa Ting1, Benjamin S Daniel1, Timothy O'Brien1
1Department of Dermatology St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Fitzroy Victoria Australia.
Clinical Case Reports
|March 2, 2026
Summary
Minocycline antibiotic can cause significant skin hyperpigmentation. Early recognition and judicious use of minocycline are vital to prevent irreversible skin discoloration.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Minocycline is a widely used antibiotic for various infections.
- Minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation is a known but often underrecognized adverse effect.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present two cases of minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation.
- To highlight the diverse clinical presentations of this side effect.
- To emphasize the importance of early recognition and judicious minocycline use.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Clinical observation of patient presentations.
- Review of minocycline's adverse effect profile.
Main Results:
- Two patients exhibited significant minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation.
- Hyperpigmentation occurred at diverse body sites.
- The condition can lead to irreversible skin discoloration if not managed promptly.
Conclusions:
- Minocycline can cause significant and diverse skin hyperpigmentation.
- Prompt recognition of minocycline's adverse effects is essential.
- Judicious antibiotic prescribing can mitigate the risk of irreversible hyperpigmentation.
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