Minocycline-induced scleral, dental, and dermal pigmentation

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of scleral discoloration secondary to minocycline therapy.

Method: Case report of a patient referred to a university-based cornea and external disease clinic.

Results: The patient had been treated with oral minocycline therapy for adult facial acne for 12 years when she began to develop bilateral blue-gray discoloration of the sclera as well as of the teeth, hard palate, ears, nail beds, and skin.

Conclusions: Chronic systemic minocycline therapy may induce scleral pigmentary changes. The mechanism of discoloration and the long-term natural history upon cessation of minocycline are unclear.