Drug-induced pigmentation
Drug-induced pigmentation is a form of skin discoloration that occurs as a result of taking certain medications. This condition is generally harmless, but it can cause cosmetic concerns. The pigmentation can occur in various parts of the body, including the skin, nails, and mucous membranes.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Drug-induced pigmentation can be caused by a variety of medications. These include certain antibiotics, antimalarial drugs, antipsychotic drugs, chemotherapy drugs, and tricyclic antidepressants. The pigmentation occurs when these drugs cause an increase in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The main symptom of drug-induced pigmentation is a change in skin color. This can range from light brown to black, depending on the individual's skin tone and the type of drug causing the pigmentation. The discoloration can occur in patches or can affect large areas of the body. It can also affect the nails and mucous membranes, causing them to turn a darker color.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of drug-induced pigmentation is usually based on a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history, including any medications they are taking. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for drug-induced pigmentation involves discontinuing the medication causing the pigmentation, if possible. In some cases, the pigmentation may fade over time once the medication is stopped. However, in other cases, the pigmentation may be permanent.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Prevention of drug-induced pigmentation involves being aware of the potential side effects of medications and discussing these with a healthcare provider before starting a new medication. Regular skin examinations can also help detect any changes in skin color early.
See also[edit | edit source]
| Drug-induced pigmentation Resources | |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
