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Skin pigmentation secondary to minocycline therapy
Archives of Dermatology
|November 1, 1980
Summary
Long-term minocycline therapy can cause skin discoloration due to a unique pigment. This abnormal pigment, a likely minocycline derivative, appears in the dermis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Histopathology
Background:
- Minocycline is a widely used antibiotic for various conditions.
- Long-term use of minocycline has been associated with various side effects.
Observation:
- Three patients on long-term minocycline developed localized brown to blue-black skin discoloration.
- Histological examination revealed abundant perivascular pigmented material in the dermis.
Findings:
- The pigment stained positive with Prussian blue and Fontana-Masson silver techniques.
- Electron microscopy showed membrane-bound inclusions distinct from melanin and iron.
- These inclusions resembled those found in minocycline-treated animal thyroids.
Implications:
- The observed pigment is likely a metabolic byproduct of minocycline.
- This finding contributes to understanding the dermatological side effects of minocycline.
- Further research may clarify the mechanism and clinical significance of this pigment.