Hyperpigmentation

 

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a darkening of the skin. This darkening of the skin may be generalized (happen all over) or localized, causing blotchy skin. It may be related to a phototoxic reaction in which areas exposed to light could have a golden brown or gray color.

What causes hyperpigmentation?

Some chemotherapy agents can cause hyperpigmentation. The cause of this side effect is currently unknown but may involve direct toxicity, stimulation of melanocytes (cells in skin responsible for skin color), and/or inflammation. Hyperpigmentation often appears 2 to 3 weeks after chemotherapy treatment begins and goes away as new skin cells replace the dead cells at approximately 10 to 12 weeks after treatment is over. However, this darkening may occasionally be permanent.

Chemotherapy drugs associated with temporary hyperpigmentation include:

  • Alkeran® (melphalan)
  • Myleran® (busulfan)
  • Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide)
  • 5-FU (5-fluorouacil)
  • Adriamycin® (doxorubicin)
  • DaunoXome® (liposomal daunorubicin)
  • Blenoxane® (bleomycin)
  • Cosmegen® (dactinomycin)
  • BCNU (topical)

What are the symptoms of hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation from chemotherapy drugs may be generalized or it may occur in specific areas, such as:

  • Around the joints
  • Under the nails
  • In the mouth
  • Along the vein used to infuse chemotherapy
  • Under areas compressed by tape or dressings
  • In the hair (horizontal bands in light haired individuals)

How is hyperpigmentation treated?

At this time, there is no treatment for hyperpigmentation.

This content was last reviewed August 15, 2010 by Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani.
Latest Cancer News
REFILE: Komen charity under microscope for funding, science

February 8, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Susan G. Komen for the Cure charity defines its mission as finding a cure for breast cancer. In recent years, however, it has cut by nearly half the proportion of fund-raising dollars it spends on grants to scientists working to understand the causes and develop effective new treatments for the disease.

US FDA panel votes against wider use of Amgen drug

February 8, 2012 — WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An advisory panel on Wednesday recommended that U.S. health regulators reject the use of Amgen Inc's drug Xgeva to delay the spread of prostate cancer to the bone, dimming the chance of a wider use for one of the company's key growth drivers.

US consumers want tougher probe of engineered salmon

February 8, 2012 — WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Three U.S. consumer groups petitioned the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday to subject a new genetically engineered salmon to a more rigorous review process than is now in place before the fish can be approved as safe to eat.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health