Poster presentation, P102

Official XXIst International Pigment Cell Conference website - 21-24 Sept 2011, Bordeaux - France | updated: September 04 2011

Treating Hyperpigmentation in Dark Skinned Patients

BACKGROUND: The treatment of hyperpigmentation in darker skinned patients(Fitzpatrick Type III-VI) has remained challenging for dermatologists. To date, there are no studies conducted on hyperpigmentation under the eyes, axilla, and neck in darker skinned patients. This survey was designed to assess current treatments of hyperpigmentation in these areas. MATERIALS/METHODS: With approval from the IRB at UC Irvine, an electronic survey was sent to practicing dermatologists. The survey contained 18 questions regarding the approach to evaluating and treating hyperpigmentation under the eyes, in the axilla, and along the neck. RESULTS: Fifty dermatologists completed the survey, and 46(92%) reported treating patients with darker skin. The ethnic groups treated were Latino(97.8%), African American(97.8%), Middle Eastern(77.6%), and Asian(88.9%). Thirty-six reported treating patients with hyperpigmentation under the eyes, and 22(61.1%) thought the hyperpigmentation was a result of idiopathic increase in melanin deposition. Hydroquinone(84.4%) and a combination of hydroquinone and tretinoin(69.7%) were the most commonly used treatments. Forty-two responded to treating hyperpigmentation in the axilla and most thought it was related to acanthosis nigricans(69.0%) or contact dermatitis(59.5%). Forty responded to treating hyperpigmentation on the neck, and most treated the condition with hydroquinone(66%). Treatments for these three areas were not found to be effective. CONCLUSION: Hyperpigmentation under the eyes, under the arms, or on the neck is a significant problem in darker skinned patients which is refractory to currently available treatments, highlighting the necessity of developing treatment approaches directed towards this population. Two cases of hyperpigmentation on the neck are presented, describing a new entity that primarily affects dark skinned individuals.

Advertisement from our sponsor: