Yellow Lunulae With Fluorescence After Tetracycline Therapy

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a common but troubling condition

“…In addition to pigmentation of sun‐exposed areas, minocycline may also cause gray areas of the sclera, and green‐gray discoloration of the teeth or nail beds 18 . The tan to dark spots of tinea versicolor may be confused with PIH 19 …”

Wood’s light in dermatology

“…This fact can be helpful in distinguishing tetracycline‐induced nail pigmentation from other causes of yellow nails. 34 Interestingly, however, quinacrine hydrochloride (Atabrine) also results in yellow–green nail fluorescence. 36 While little used in this way, Wood’s light could be helpful in monitoring the compliance of patients taking such oral agents.…”

“…Wood's lamp examination of the skin normally yields a negative finding. 34,37 To monitor the effectiveness of topical applications Protective creams are useful for factory workers when gloves cannot be used. Recently, Wigger-Alberti et al 38 reported the usefulness of Wood's light examination to monitor how workers apply protective creams to their hands.…”

Minocycline‐Induced Intraoral Pharmacogenic Pigmentation: Case Reports and Review of the Literature

“…Fingernails have been documented to show the same differences with the Wood's lamp, eliciting only slight fluorescence with minocycline treatment43 and strong yellow fluorescence with tetracycline use.73-74 The latter occurrence is so predictable that it has been suggested for monitoring patient compliance. 74 The duration of discoloration subsequent to cessation of minocycline therapy is unknown and may vary by tissue type. Pigmentation of the thyroid has been shown to last at least 1 year in rats.…”