Laugier-hunziker syndrome: an uncommon cause of oral pigmentation and a review of the literature

Abstract

Laugier-Hunziker syndrome is a rare benign condition characterized by diffuse oral hyperpigmentation associated with pigmentation of the nails. The syndrome must be included in the differential diagnosis of diffuse oral pigmentation to exclude other conditions with systemic implications. We describe a 43-year-old white woman with the clinical and histological features of Laugier-Hunziker syndrome associated with toenail pigmentation. The correct clinical identification avoids the need for detailed investigations and treatment. We also review the potential causes of oral pigmentation.

Figure 1

Diffuse macular brown pigmentation on the vermilion of the lower lip.

Figure 2

Diffuse macular brown pigmentation on the oral mucosa of right (a) and left (b) cheeks.

Figure 3

Longitudinal pigmented band on the right great toenail.

Figure 4

Basal layer pigmentation with increased number of normal melanocytes mostly at chorion epithelial junction in the epithelium (black arrows). Sparse melanophages were noted in the superficial chorion (red arrows), HE X 200.