Exogenous ochronosis in ethnic Chinese Asians: a clinicopathological study, diagnosis and treatment.
BACKGROUND
Exogenous ochronosis is believed to be an uncommon complication of treatment with hydroquinone- containing skin-lightning agents. It is widely believed that the condition is found almost exclusively in dark-skinned individuals and uncommon in other skin-types.


OBJECTIVE
To show that exogenous ochronosis may be present in ethnic Chinese Asians.


METHODS
Facial skin biopsies were obtained from suspicious lesions in ethnic Chinese patients presenting at a private dermatology clinic. Clinical photographs, ultraviolet (UV) photographs and digital dermatoscopic pictures were also obtained.


RESULTS
15 patients of ethnic Chinese origin had histologically-confirmed exogenous ochronosis.


CONCLUSIONS
The difficulties in differentiating exogenous ochronosis from melasma are discussed and there is a likelihood of under-reporting as the clinical presentation of the condition may be misleading.


CONCLUSIONS
Exogenous ochronosis may exist amongst ethnic Chinese patients with fairer skin-types, contrary to the commonly-accepted perception that it is more prevalent in darker skin-types.
The DRx Clinic, Part of The Kaya Group, Singapore, Singapore. sk_tan@drxclinic.com
S K
SK
Tan
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000474:Alkaptonuria; D001706:Biopsy; D002681:China; D005006:Ethnicity; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009794:Ochronosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy