Hyperpigmentation: Causes & Reasons

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Possible Causes for Hyperpigmentation

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Hyperpigmentation as the first presentation of Vitamin B12 deficiency is rare. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Localized hyperpigmentation is less frequently described, affecting palms, soles, and flexural areas. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

[…] are presenting an interesting case of a 4 year old boy who was being treated for Vitamin B 12 deficiency on the basis of history of delayed milestone, abdominal pain and hyperpigmentation [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome

A 62-year-old Malaysian woman presented with a constellation of skin signs including alopecia, hyperpigmentation and nail dystrophy. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

The disease is characterized by diffuse gastrointestinal polyposis, dystrophic changes of the fingernails, alopecia, cutaneous hyperpigmentation, diarrhea, weight loss, and [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome is characterized by generalized gastrointestinal polyps associated with hyperpigmentation, hair loss, and onycholysis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Adrenal Insufficiency

PATIENT AND METHODS: The patient was born with hyperpigmentation, micropenis, penoscrotal hypospadias, and mild cryptorchidism. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

A physical examination demonstrates hyperpigmentation of his oral mucosa. A basic metabolic panel reveals hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. [medbullets.com]

Unlike in Addison disease, hyperpigmentation does not occur and serum sodium and potassium levels are relatively normal. ACTH and cortisol levels both are low. [merck.com]

Addison Disease

hyperpigmentation as well as hyperpigmentation on extensor surfaces (here the elbows) as in the top left panel. [msdmanuals.com]

We herein report a case of Addison's disease caused by tuberculosis characterized by atypical hyperpigmentation, noted as exacerbation of the pigmentation of freckles and [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Herein this case report, we focus on the subtle findings of diffuse hyperpigmentation and intermittent but repetitive "flu-like" symptoms in two patients to correctly identify [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Hemochromatosis

External genital hyperpigmentation was seen in one third of patients, and one fifth had hyperpigmentation of flexural folds, scars, and nipple areolae. [emedicine.com]

PubMed was used to search the following terms: hemochromatosis, hereditary, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, keratosis, melanin, seborrheic, siderosis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Hyperpigmentation of the oral mucosa was found in 15-20% of patients. [emedicine.com]

Localized Scleroderma

Physical examination revealed several irregularly shaped, firm nodules with hyperpigmentation and induration on the trunk and upper arms (Panel A). [nejm.org]

[…] with mineral-only formulations of sunscreen or with those that combine mineral and chemical sun filters, is emphasized in those with morphea because it will best prevent hyperpigmentation [sherberandrad.com]

Morphea Diagnosis The aim of physical assessment of skin is to look for signs of hyperpigmentation and areas of thickened skin. [patienthelp.org]

Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis

Akahoshi et al. (7) reported a woman with duplication of 15q11.2-q14 who exhibited striking generalized skin hyperpigmentation. [medicaljournals.se]

We report three teenaged Caucasian patients with confluent and reticulated papillomatosis whose presentation was atypical due to the absence of hyperpigmentation and presence [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Many variants have been described including CRP without papillomatosis or hyperpigmentation. [healio.com]

Dyskeratosis Congenita

[…] mutation in the DKC1 gene encoding dyskenin on Xq. dyskeratosis congenita an X-linked syndrome with onset in childhood, characterized by nail dystrophy, reticular cutaneous hyperpigmentation [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

Dyskeratosis congenita is a genodermatosis characterized by hyperpigmentation of the skin, dystrophy of the nails, leukoplakia of mucous membranes, and progressive pancytopenia [accessanesthesiology.mhmedical.com]

[…] congenita: nail dystrophy dyskeratosis congenita A rare X-linked or autosomal dominant disease characterized by dystrophic formation of the nails, oral leukoplakia, and hyperpigmentation [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (OMIM #268400) is a severe autosomal recessive genodermatosis: characterised by growth retardation, hyperpigmentation and frequently accompanied [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

He was admitted when he was 26 months old because of short stature, dehydration, metabolic acidosis, hyperpigmentation, and typical skin lesions. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

During the course of the disease, cutaneous atrophy with reticulated areas of hypo- and hyperpigmentation and persistent telangiectasias develop. [orpha.net]

Bloch Sulzberger Syndrome

The blisters heal gradually, but leave behind areas of hyperpigmentation over the skin. [epainassist.com]

[…] birth to about four months of age),2.Verrucous: lesions are crusted and appear as wart-like rash (for several months),3.hyperpigmented: grey brown linear swirling macular hyperpigmentation [dailyrounds.org]

It is characterized by swirled patterns of hyperpigmentation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome

In association with hyperpigmentation, the presence of multiple hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract is mandatory; these polyps are characterized by a single [scielo.br]

BACKGROUND: Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disorder characterized by gastrointestinal (GI) hamartomatous polyps, mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

[…] disease linked to a mutation of the STK 11 gene and is characterized by the development of benign hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract in association with a hyperpigmentation [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Urticaria Pigmentosa

There was diffuse hyperpigmentation all over the body without scarring. Darier's sign could be elicited on both lesional and nonlesional areas [Figure 2]. [jdrntruhs.org]

Moreover, the biopsy showed the presence of basal hyperpigmentation which correlates with the pigmented network. [scielo.br]

Figure 1: Multiple tense bullae and hyperpigmentation on the upper back and extremities Click here to view Routine investigations were within normal limits. [jdrntruhs.org]

Photosensitivity Disorder

This hyperpigmentation may serve as a protective mechanism against further UV injury. [emedicine.medscape.com]

In the case of acquired hyperpigmentation with photodistribution, it is necessary to consider lichenoid photodermatitis. Biography : Email: [email protected] [omicsonline.org]

[…] reactions due to amitriptyline (a tricyclic antidepressant agent) include rashes and hypersensitivity reactions (for example, urticaria and photosensitivity) as well as hyperpigmentation [pmj.bmj.com]

Triple A Syndrome

It is caused by mutations in AAAS gene which encodes a protein called ALADIN. 8-year-old boy who presented with hypoglycemic seizures, dysphagia, dry eyes and hyperpigmentation [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

He had achalasia, alacrima, and skin and mucosal hyperpigmentation. Hormonal assessment revealed isolated glucocorticoid deficiency. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Mucosal hyperpigmentation led to the diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency which was ultimately shown to be a component of triple A syndrome (achalasia, alacrima, adrenal insufficiency [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

The dyspigmentation of older lesions often presents as central hypopigmentation and peripheral hyperpigmentation. [dermnet.com]

Lichen planus is a non scarring disease (exception is lichen planaopilaris of the scalp) and the usual sequelae is post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. [eujournal.org]

Over time, lesions slowly expand, producing areas of peripheral inflammation or hyperpigmentation, leaving a central region of scarring with telangiectasia and hypopigmentation [bestpractice.bmj.com]

Chloasma

Group 5: Localised hyperpigmentation of the face (eg periorbital hyperpigmentation, naevus of Ota) Group 6: Hyperpigmentation of the neck (eg poikiloderma of Civatte, acanthosis [pcds.org.uk]

Though hyperpigmentation is usually harmless and can subside on its own (e.g., hormone- or medication-induced hyperpigmentation dissipates once the imbalance is restored), [kaviskin.com]

HYPERPIGMENTATION Hyperpigmentation is a common condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the surrounding skin. [lalongevity.com]

Corticotroph Pituitary Adenoma

Over the ensuing years, the patient developed Nelson's syndrome with hyperpigmentation and markedly elevated ACTH levels. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Furthermore, certain patient groups may demonstrate additional or atypical clinical features depending on the etiology of Cushing syndrome 6 : patients with Cushing disease: hyperpigmentation [radiopaedia.org]

Hyperpigmentation is often seen and when the adenoma grows large enough there may be visual field defects or cranial nerve symptoms. [path.upmc.edu]

Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type 2

Hyperpigmentation over the palmer aspect of hands Hyperpigmentation over the foot hyperpigmentation over the face Physical examination on admission revealed, she was afebrile [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Hyperpigmentation over the dorsum of hands. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Hyperpigmentation was present over the face, limbs (Figures 1-4) and oral mucosa. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Whipple Disease

Both hyperpigmentation and long-lasting depression without the typical manifestations of the disease are rare. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Skin hyperpigmentation, especially around the orbital and malar areas of the face, has also been reported. [prognosisapp.com]

Examination : The treating physician will conduct a detailed physical examination to look for any indicators which may suggest Whipple’s Disease like abdominal tenderness or hyperpigmentation [epainassist.com]

Xeroderma Pigmentosum

Both patients had marked lentiginous hyperpigmentation and multiple skin cancers at an early age. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Note the mottled hyperpigmentation and atrophy. Courtesy of Neil S. Prose, MD, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. [emedicine.medscape.com]

Both hyperkeratosis and hyperpigmentation is more pronounced in the second stage of the disease. [symptoma.com]

Argyria

We describe a 53-year-old man in good general health who presented with an 8-month history of progressive gray hyperpigmentation of the face. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

The hyperpigmentation of argyria is usually permanent, and it follows a sun-exposed distribution. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

They presented with diffuse hyperpigmentation of the face that was mistaken to be related to uremia and bluish-gray discoloration of all nails believed to be cyanosis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Tinea Versicolor

Melasma is a facial hyperpigmentation resulting from the stimulation of melanocytes by endogenous or exogenous estrogen. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Reddish-tan and fawn-colored hyperpigmentation in tinea versicolor of this type is not due to melanin pigment. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

African Americans may have a loss of skin color (hypopigmentation) or an increase in skin color (hyperpigmentation). www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus [voxhealth.co]

Nelson Syndrome

Abstract Nelson syndrome is a rare cause of generalized mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Keywords: Nelson syndrome Hyperpigmentation Adrenalectomy Resumen El síndrome de Nelson (SN) supone una causa infrecuente de hiperpigmentación mucocutánea generalizada, cuyas [actasdermo.org]

Nel·son syn·drome ( nel'sŏn ), a syndrome of hyperpigmentation, third cranial nerve damage, and enlarging sella turcica caused by pituitary adenomas presumably present before [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]

Chronic Arsenic Poisoning

RESULTS: Among the 116 residents screened, 81 (70%) had clinically confirmed arsenic keratoses and hyperpigmentation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

In all of the studied patients, 22% had typical hyperkeratosis on the palms or soles and some had raindrop-like hyperpigmentation and depigmentation on the trunk. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Skin lesions : Hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratosis and cancer / Chien-Jen Chen -- ch. 4. Arsenics and urothelial carcinoma / Chung-Hsin Chen and Yeong-Shiau Pu -- ch. 5. [books.google.com]

Arsenic Poisoning

Abstract Endemic arsenic poisoning manifested by palmoplantar keratoderma and hyperpigmentation was surveyed in a village in a tin and wolfram mining area in southern Thailand [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

One year prior to death, he developed intermittent bouts of severe gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhea, hyperpigmentation and keratosis of the skin, neutropenia, and [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

RESULTS: Among the 116 residents screened, 81 (70%) had clinically confirmed arsenic keratoses and hyperpigmentation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Acute Arsenic Poisoning

Skin lesions : Hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratosis and cancer / Chien-Jen Chen -- ch. 4. Arsenics and urothelial carcinoma / Chung-Hsin Chen and Yeong-Shiau Pu -- ch. 5. [books.google.com]

Hyperpigmentation on pressure points and acral surfaces can also be seen in Addison’s disease. [clinicaladvisor.com]

Mees' lines (transverse white lines on nails). [ 6 ] Hyperpigmentation (especially on the arms and upper chest) - diffuse dark areas or 'raindrop' pigmentation. [patient.info]

Subcorneal Pustular Dermatosis

The pustules were sterile, had some tendency to grouping, were accompanied by moderate to severe pruritus and some hyperpigmentation. [jamanetwork.com]

Residual scarring and postlesional hyperpigmentation was seen at a 2-month follow-up appointment. [karger.com]

The pustules used to dry up in 6-7 days to form thin, dry crusts that fell leaving hyperpigmentation. There were no oral lesions. Nikolsky sign was negative. [ijdvl.com]

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis

Clinical features include 12 : pruritus (often the first symptom) jaundice skin hyperpigmentation, especially of arms and trunk xanthomata and xanthelasma due to hypercholesterolemia [radiopaedia.org]

Clinical features include 12: pruritus (often the first symptom) jaundice skin hyperpigmentation, especially of arms and trunk xanthomata and xanthelasma due to hypercholesterolemia [radiopaedia.org]

Fatigue (usually the first symptom) Marked generalized pruritus Hyperpigmentation Hepatomegaly, dull lower margin, RUQ discomfort Splenomegaly Jaundice Maldigestion (may involve [amboss.com]

Hemochromatosis-Related Cardiomyopathy

Hyperpigmentation (bronze diabetes) and porphyria cutanea tarda are common, as is symptomatic arthropathy in the hands. [merckmanuals.com]

Symptoms include fatigue, hyperpigmentation, diabetes mellitus (" bronze diabetes "), and arthralgia. [amboss.com]

Hyperpigmentation is most evident on sun- exposed skin, particularly on the face. The colour of skin can be slate grey or brownish bronze. [dermnetnz.org]

Porphyria

Symptoms are: blisters on areas of the skin exposed to the sun such as the face, arms, and hands followed by crusting and scarring; hyperpigmentation; increased hair growth [publichealth.va.gov]

Peláez-Castro et al. reported the first Peruvian case of PP in a hemodialytic woman with facial hyperpigmentation, bilateral bullae on the fingers, and some crusts on the [scielo.org.pe]

[…] manifestations Increased fragility of sun-exposed skin → blistering and impaired healing (blistering photosensitivity) Healing results in scarring and milia formation Hypertrichosis Hyperpigmentation [amboss.com]