Exogenous ochronosis

Dermatol Online J. 2014 Dec 16;20(12):13030/qt0v91k51s.

Abstract

We present a case of exogenous ochronosis in a 53-year-old woman with skin type IV, who used a topical hydroquinone preparation of an unknown concentration for several years. Traditionally, exogenous ochronosis was thought to occur exclusively in patients with darker skin types who use high concentrations of hydroquinone cream. Reports now document cases in patients of all skin types and in patients even using low concentrations of hydroquinone cream for short periods of time. Although the incidence of exogenous ochronosis in the United States is unclear, it may be more common than many clinicians believe. It is important for clinicians and patients to be aware of exogenous ochronosis in order to prevent exacerbation in patients with this rare side effect.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / adverse effects*
  • Facial Dermatoses / chemically induced*
  • Facial Dermatoses / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroquinones / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Ochronosis / chemically induced*
  • Ochronosis / pathology

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Hydroquinones
  • hydroquinone