title: Gum pigmentation: an unusual adverse effect of sublingual immunotherapy.
abstract: Sublingual immunotherapy has gained acceptance amongst the paediatric community as it is very well tolerated and is safe. The adverse effects of this therapy is minimal consisting mainly of local side effects within the oral cavity such as itching of the mouth, swelling of the lips and less frequently abdominal pain, wheezing and urticaria has been described. This report is to highlight another local side effect of sublingual immunotherapy which has been observed in 3 of our patients. This is pigmentation of the gums which can occur anytime during the course of the immunotherapy. It resolves on stopping the immunotherapy and is likely due to a local inflammatory process occurring in the gums of these children. There is no associated pain or itching with the pigmentation. It can persist as long as the child is on the immunotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Allergy Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore 229899, Singapore.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Goh
authors.affiliation: Allergy Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore 229899, Singapore.
authors.forename: Wen Chin
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Chiang
authors.affiliation: Allergy Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore 229899, Singapore.
authors.forename: Liew Woei
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Allergy Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore 229899, Singapore.
authors.forename: Rajeshwar
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.affiliation: Allergy Service, Department of Paediatrics, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore 229899, Singapore.
authors.forename: Hwee Hoon
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.affiliation: Dental Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore 229899, Singapore.
authors.forename: Chai Kiat
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Chng
keywords: Adverse effects; Gingiva; Pigmentation; Sublingual immunotherapy
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