Re: Facial Hyperpigmentation- what to do?

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

From: " Grodd " <MaitaiZen@...>

Sent: Friday, November 21, 2008 8:11 PM

> Hi, I'm been on AP for about 3 years now and my RA is more or less in

remission. One problem: I've got some hyperpigmentation on my face. Is there a

way to deal with that?

> cheers

>

>

" 5. WHAT IS HYPERPIGMENTATION? Minocycline can cause discoloration of the skin

anywhere on the body. This is called hyperpigmentation. Large daily doses of

ascorbic acid (vitamin C) may prevent this phenomenon. (Bowles WH, Baylor

College of Dentistry, Texas A & M University System Protection against minocycline

pigment formation by ascorbic acid, J Esthet Dent, 10(4):182-6 1998)

Dr. A. Franco, a rheumatologist practicing in Riverside, California, says

that hyperpigmentation occurs in about 10% to 20% of patients taking minocycline

(Minocin) on a daily basis and over one year. Occasionally it may appear

earlier. It occurs less frequently with patients taking Minocin on a three times

per week basis. It may be necessary to switch to another antibiotic. It is

usually reversible after discontinuation of the medication, but fades slowly and

sometimes not completely.

Dr. Pnina Langevitz in Israel has done three double-blind studies on the use of

minocycline in rheumatoid arthritis with some patients on the medication over 5

years. The following is from Langevitz et al - Minocycline in Rheumatoid

Arthritis; Isr. J. Med Sci 1996;32:327-330. 'We also observed skin

hyperpigmentation in about one third of our patients as a late complication of

the therapy. Minocycline related hyperpigmentation of the skin is a well known

complication of this agent and can be subdivided into three categories. The

first is characterized by dark black-blue macules localized at sites of

cutaneous inflammation. . . . . . . . . . . The second type is a more diffuse

hyperpigmentation, predominantly on the lower extremeties and on areas exposed

to sunlight. . . . . . . . The third form of minocycline-induced

hyperpigmentation is the 'muddy skin syndrome' Ð a dark brown-gray discoloration

of the skin generalized over the body, less prominent in non exposed areas. The

high incidence of skin hyperpigmentation in our group of patients is probably

due to the longer follow-up period than that in other groups, and to sun

exposure.' (Patients in this study were on 100 mg. of minocycline twice daily.) "

>

[Guest guest]

I have heard that ample doses of vitamin C can reduce and eventually eliminated

the hyperpigmentation. Also, you could consider switching to Doxy. My daughter

was beginning to get some hyperpigmentation on her legs so we asked her AP

doctor to switch her to doxy, he agreed with no reservation. Many RA patients

take doxy and do well.

Good luck!

Cheryl

rheumatic Facial Hyperpigmentation- what to do?

Hi, I'm been on AP for about 3 years now and my RA is more or less in remission.

One problem: I've got some hyperpigmentation on my face. Is there a way to deal

with that?

cheers

[Guest guest]

I was on minocycline and began getting hyperpigmentation on my face also, as

well as a little on my legs. I switched to doyxy in the spring and now it has

faded. I have done as well on doxy as on the minocycline.

rheumatic Facial Hyperpigmentation- what to do?

Hi, I'm been on AP for about 3 years now and my RA is more or less in

remission. One problem: I've got some hyperpigmentation on my face. Is there a

way to deal with that?

cheers