Minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation treated with a 755-nm Q-switched alexandrite laser. 2004

Tina S Alster, and Samir N Gupta
Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, DC 20037, USA. talster@skinlaser.com

BACKGROUND Cutaneous pigmentation associated with minocycline therapy is an unusual adverse effect for which few successful treatments have been described. The pigment changes may persist for years, despite cessation of therapy, and is often cosmetically disfiguring, causing significant embarrassment and psychological depression in those affected. Few safe and effective treatments have been described in the past; however, recent pigment-specific laser technology has shown promise in the treatment of this condition. OBJECTIVE The objective was to describe a series of patients with minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation who were successfully treated with a 755-nm Q-switched alexandrite laser. METHODS Six patients with minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation on the face or legs were treated with a Q-switched alexandrite laser on a bimonthly basis until pigmentation was eradicated. RESULTS Cutaneous pigmentation resolved completely in all patients in an average of four laser sessions. Side effects were limited to transient purpura and mild desquamation without scarring or dyspigmentation. CONCLUSIONS Minocycline-induced cutaneous pigmentation can be effectively cleared without risk of adverse sequelae by Q-switched alexandrite (755-nm) laser irradiation.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D008911 Minocycline A TETRACYCLINE analog, having a 7-dimethylamino and lacking the 5 methyl and hydroxyl groups, which is effective against tetracycline-resistant STAPHYLOCOCCUS infections. Akamin,Akne-Puren,Aknemin,Aknin-Mino,Aknosan,Apo-Minocycline,Arestin,Blemix,Cyclomin,Cyclops,Dentomycin,Dynacin,Icht-Oral,Klinomycin,Lederderm,Mestacine,Minakne,Mino-Wolff,Minocin,Minocin MR,Minoclir,Minocycline Hydrochloride,Minocycline Monohydrochloride,Minocycline, (4R-(4 alpha,4a beta,5a beta,12a beta))-Isomer,Minolis,Minomycin,Minoplus,Minotab,Minox 50,Mynocine,Akne Puren,Aknin Mino,Apo Minocycline,Hydrochloride, Minocycline,Icht Oral,Mino Wolff,Monohydrochloride, Minocycline
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D000900 Anti-Bacterial Agents Substances that inhibit the growth or reproduction of BACTERIA. Anti-Bacterial Agent,Anti-Bacterial Compound,Anti-Mycobacterial Agent,Antibacterial Agent,Antibiotics,Antimycobacterial Agent,Bacteriocidal Agent,Bacteriocide,Anti-Bacterial Compounds,Anti-Mycobacterial Agents,Antibacterial Agents,Antibiotic,Antimycobacterial Agents,Bacteriocidal Agents,Bacteriocides,Agent, Anti-Bacterial,Agent, Anti-Mycobacterial,Agent, Antibacterial,Agent, Antimycobacterial,Agent, Bacteriocidal,Agents, Anti-Bacterial,Agents, Anti-Mycobacterial,Agents, Antibacterial,Agents, Antimycobacterial,Agents, Bacteriocidal,Anti Bacterial Agent,Anti Bacterial Agents,Anti Bacterial Compound,Anti Bacterial Compounds,Anti Mycobacterial Agent,Anti Mycobacterial Agents,Compound, Anti-Bacterial,Compounds, Anti-Bacterial
D001608 Beryllium An element with the atomic symbol Be, atomic number 4, and atomic weight 9.01218. Short exposure to this element can lead to a type of poisoning known as BERYLLIOSIS.
D017495 Hyperpigmentation Excessive pigmentation of the skin, usually as a result of increased epidermal or dermal melanin pigmentation, hypermelanosis. Hyperpigmentation can be localized or generalized. The condition may arise from exposure to light, chemicals or other substances, or from a primary metabolic imbalance. Hypermelanosis,Hypermelanoses
D053685 Laser Therapy The use of photothermal effects of LASERS to coagulate, incise, vaporize, resect, dissect, or resurface tissue. Laser Knife,Laser Scalpel,Surgery, Laser,Vaporization, Laser,Laser Ablation,Laser Knives,Laser Photoablation of Tissue,Laser Surgery,Laser Tissue Ablation,Nonablative Laser Treatment,Pulsed Laser Tissue Ablation,Ablation, Laser,Ablation, Laser Tissue,Knife, Laser,Knifes, Laser,Knive, Laser,Knives, Laser,Laser Knifes,Laser Knive,Laser Scalpels,Laser Surgeries,Laser Therapies,Laser Treatment, Nonablative,Laser Treatments, Nonablative,Laser Vaporization,Nonablative Laser Treatments,Scalpel, Laser,Scalpels, Laser,Surgeries, Laser,Therapies, Laser,Therapy, Laser,Tissue Ablation, Laser

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