Minocycline hyperpigmentation isolated to the subcutaneous fat

J Cutan Pathol. 2005 Aug;32(7):516-9. doi: 10.1111/j.0303-6987.2005.00369.x.

Abstract

We present a 15-year-old girl with bilateral lower extremity discoloration of one-year duration while taking minocycline for acne vulgaris. The clinical characteristics best supported type II minocycline hyperpigmentation, but the histology revealed that the pigmentation was solely limited to the subcutaneous adipose tissue, completely sparing the dermis. Special stain for iron was negative. This is the first case to our knowledge with pigment exclusively located in the subcutaneous fat and with the unusual finding of a negative stain for iron.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy*
  • Adipose Tissue / pathology*
  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperpigmentation / chemically induced*
  • Hyperpigmentation / pathology
  • Minocycline / adverse effects*
  • Skin / pathology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Minocycline