Minocycline-induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation: confocal laser scanning microscope analysis.
BACKGROUND
Minocycline has a characteristic yellow-green fluorescent emission. This fluorescence has been previously demonstrated only in type 1 minocycline-induced skin hyperpigmentation.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether the fluorescence can be detected in other types of minocycline-induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation, and to study the possible mechanisms.


METHODS
Biopsies of pigmented and nonpigmented skin from 3 patients with different types of skin hyperpigmentation induced by minocycline were analysed by light microscopy and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM).


RESULTS
A yellow-green fluorescence was observed in the hyperpigmented skin of two patients with type 2, and one patient with type 4 minocycline-induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation. No fluorescence was detected in the non-pigmented skin.


CONCLUSIONS
Minocycline can possibly serve as a fluorescent probe in the diagnosis of all types of minocycline-induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation.
Dodiuk-Gad
R P
RP
Department of Dermatology, Ha'emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel.
de Morentin
H M
HM
Schafer
J
J
Harel
A
A
Neudorfer
M
M
Misonzhnik
F
F
Gitstein
G
G
Rozenman
D
D
Tur
E
E
Brenner
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008911:Minocycline / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D008911:Minocycline