In humans, skin is the largest organ and serves as a barrier between our body and the outside world. Skin protects our internal organs from external pathogens and other contaminants, and melanocytes within the skin protect the body from damage by ultraviolet light. These same pigment cells also determine our skin colour and complexion. Skin wounding triggers a repair response that includes a ro...

We present a 4-month-old healthy male infant of Asian/ Mediterranean origin with partially circumferential hyperpigmented bands on the lower legs. The appearance of these marks led his health visitor to be concerned about the possibility of non-accidental injury. He was referred to the local paediatric unit and admitted for investigations, including a skeletal survey. Two weeks before, the elas...

PURPOSE Somatic mutations that result in the activation of the growth factor receptor KIT are commonly found in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Six families have been reported in which a germ-line mutation in KIT is associated with an autosomal dominant predisposition to the development of GISTs. Hyperpigmentation, urticaria pigmentosa, and dysphagia have been described in some, but no...

BACKGROUND Several chemical agents are currently used to perform superficial peels of the face to reduce facial hyperpigmentation and fine lines/wrinkles. Some of the most commonly used agents are alpha hydroxyl acids, such as glycolic acid (GA), or beta hydroxy acid, such as salicylic acid. AIM This study aims to compare the efficacy of GA to that of a novel derivative of salicylic acid, cap...

Hyperpigmentation of the skin is often refractory to conventional therapies, but has significant cosmetic implications if located on visible areas. Because laser systems are capable of removing pigment deposits caused by selective photothermolysis, we addressed the issue of whether the Q-switched ruby laser could be a useful alternative in the treatment of nonmelanotic hyperpigmented skin lesio...

"Café-au-lait" macules (CALMs) and overall skin hyperpigmentation are early hallmarks of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). One of the most frequent monogenic diseases, NF1 has subsequently been characterized with numerous benign Schwann cell-derived tumors. It is well established that neurofibromin, the NF1 gene product, is an antioncogene that down-regulates the RAS oncogene. In contrast, the mo...

A 16-year-old boy presented with progressive and asymptomatic mottled hyperpigmentation that had been there for four years. The lesions had appeared initially on his arms and extended gradually over the years to involve the trunk, face, and extremities (Fig. 1). The palms and soles were prominently involved, and fingernails showed longitudinal hyperpigmented streaks (Fig. 2). The mucous membran...

Decorative henna skin painting can provoke severe reactions in the skin. We report 3 cases of unusual and persistent hyperpigmentation following nonpermanent henna tattoo, which alerted us to identify an additional side effect.

Skin hyperpigmentation is characterized by increased melanin synthesis and deposition that can cause significant psychosocial and psychological distress. Although several cytokine-receptor signaling cascadescontribute to the formationof ultravioletB-induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation, their possible involvement in other types of skin hyperpigmentation has never been clearly addressed. Since ou...

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of and patient's satisfaction with treatment of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation with a Nd:YAG laser and a high speed rotary instrument. METHODS Three patients with melanin hyperpigmentation in the anterior parts of the gingiva were chosen for this case study. Clinical photographs were taken at the preoperative sta...