title: Hyperpigmentation caused by hyperthyroidism: differences from the pigmentation of Addison's disease.
abstract: Two cases of hyperthyroidism with hyperpigmentation are presented. In both cases, hyperpigmentation was seen on the lower extremities, most strikingly on the shins, backs of the feet and the nail bed. Histology of the pigmented skin showed basal melanosis and heavy deposition of haemosiderin around dermal capillaries and sweat glands. Treatment with mercazol in both cases resulted in no significant waning of pigmentation. Distribution of hyperpigmentation, haemosiderin deposition and poor response to the treatment may be characteristic features of the pigmentation caused by hyperthyroidism, and may represent differences from the pigmentation seen in Addison's disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Banba
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fujioka
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tajima
mesh_terms: D000224:Addison Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006486:Hemosiderosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008548:Melanosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D008713:Methimazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D013543:Sweat Gland Diseases / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D008713:Methimazole