Minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation: treatment with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser.
OBJECTIVE
Cutaneous hyperpigmentations are well-documented, but nevertheless rare side-effects of high-dose or long-term minocycline therapy. The pigmental changes, may last for years, even though therapy has been abrogated. To date, no safe and effective therapy has been described to target this cosmetically disturbing sequela.


METHODS
A 57-year-old female patient with extensive pigmental changes of the face due to long-term minocycline therapy was treated in eight consecutive sessions with the Q-switched Nd:YAG-laser (1,064-nm wavelength, 5- to 7-nsec impulse length).


RESULTS
A 90% resolution of the pigmentation could be achieved after five treatments. After the last session the lesions were completely gone; no hypopigmentation scars, or other side-effects were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser seems to be an effective, safe, and easily applicable strategy for the therapy of minocycline-induced hyperpigmentations.
Greve
B
B
Center for Dermatologic Laser Therapy, Karlsruhe, Germany.
Schönermark
M P
MP
Raulin
C
C
D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000601:surgery; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D008911:Minocycline / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009354:Neodymium; D012074:Remission Induction; D012449:Safety; D015019:Yttrium
D000538:Aluminum Silicates; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D009354:Neodymium; D015019:Yttrium; D008911:Minocycline