68-year-old woman develops type II minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation
Updated
Updated · Livescience.com · May 6
68-year-old woman develops type II minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation
7 articles · Updated · Livescience.com · May 6
In the US, dark blue, purple and black patches appeared on her limbs and tongue within two weeks of starting 100mg daily minocycline for rosacea.
Doctors told her to stop the antibiotic and avoid sun exposure; after six months, the discoloration had faded somewhat but remained visible.
The case was notable for unusually rapid onset, as type II hyperpigmentation usually appears after months of treatment and may take months to years to clear.
This skin-staining side effect normally takes years. Why did it happen to one patient in just weeks?
A common antibiotic turned a woman’s skin black in weeks. What does this rare case reveal about drug safety?
Why is an antibiotic that can permanently stain skin still prescribed when safer options for rosacea exist?