Common hyperpigmentation disorders in adults: Part II. Melanoma, seborrheic keratoses, acanthosis nigricans, melasma, diabetic dermopathy, tinea versicolor, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Nevi, or moles, are localized nevocytic tumors. The American Cancer Society's "ABCD" rules are useful for differentiating a benign nevus from malignant melanoma. While acanthosis nigricans may signal an underlying malignancy (e.g., gastrointestinal tumor), it more often is associated with insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome) or obesity. Melasma is a facial hyperpigmentation resulting from the stimulation of melanocytes by endogenous or exogenous estrogen. Treatments for melasma include bleaching agents, laser therapy, and a new medication that combines hydroquinone, tretinoin, and fluocinolone acetonide. Lesions that develop on the shins of patients with diabetic dermopathy often resolve spontaneously; no treatment is effective or recommended. Tinea versicolor responds to treatment with selenium sulfide shampoo and topical or oral antifungal agents. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation can occur in persons of any age after trauma, skin irritation, or dermatoses.
Stulberg
Daniel L
DL
Utah Valley Family Practice Residency Program, Provo, Utah, USA.
Clark
Nicole
N
Tovey
Daniel
D
D000052:Acanthosis Nigricans / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D009506:Nevus / Q000175:diagnosis; D011247:Pregnancy; D014010:Tinea Versicolor / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy