Hydroxychloroquine induced cutaneous pigmentation: a unique pattern

Hydroxychloroquine-induced hyperpigmentation of the skin and bull's-eye maculopathy in rheumatic patients: a case report and literature review

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is used as a traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, it can cause serious adverse reactions, including hyperpigmentation of the skin and bull's-eye macular lesions. Here, we present a case of HCQ-induced hyperpigmentation of the skin and bull's-eye macular lesions in a patient who received HCQ for RA. A 65-year-old female patient developed blurred vision and hyperpigmentation of multiple areas of skin over the body for one month after 3 years of HCQ treatment for RA. Based on clinical presentation, ophthalmological examination and dermatopathological biopsy, a diagnosis of drug-induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation and bullous maculopathy of the right eye was made. After discontinuation of HCQ and treatment with iguratimod tablets, the hyperpigmentation of the patient 's skin was gradually reduced, and the symptoms of blurred vision were not significantly improved. We also reviewed the available literature on HCQ-induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation and bull's-eye macular lesions and described the clinical features of HCQ-induced cutaneous hyperpigmentation and bull's-eye macular lesions. In conclusion, clinicians should be aware of early cutaneous symptoms and HCQ-associated ophthalmotoxicity in patients with rheumatic diseases on HCQ sulphate and should actively monitor patients, have them undergo regular ophthalmological examinations and give appropriate treatment to prevent exacerbation of symptoms.

Successful Treatment of Chronic Actinic Dermatitis with Dupilumab: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) is a rather rare photosensitive disease characterized by a persistent eczematous eruption in sun-exposed sites. The pathogenesis of CAD has not been completely elucidated. The clinical treatment of CAD is still challenging and not standardized. Some patients with severe CAD have achieved satisfactory clinical results with dupilumab when conventional therapies have failed. We herein report the case of a 45-year-old male with severe CAD who responded rapidly to combined treatment with dupilumab (600 mg for 1 week, and then 300 mg every 2 weeks) in 2 months. The patient experienced continuous improvement and no side effects from dupilumab (300 mg every month), having ceased other systemic medications. Dupilumab could be considered as an alternative or adjunctive treatment for CAD.

Hydroxychloroquine-induced hyperpigmentation in a 14-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematosus

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)-induced hyperpigmentation is uncommon but is increasingly recognized. To our knowledge, HCQ-induced hyperpigmentation has not been reported in the pediatric age group. Herein, we present the case of a 14-year-old girl with systemic lupus erythematosus, who developed hyperpigmentation on her shins and dorsum of the left foot, approximately 3 years after initiating treatment with HCQ. Physicians who treat children with HCQ for reasons such as rheumatologic disorders, dermatologic disorders and, more recently, coronavirus disease-19 should be aware of this less-known side effect of HCQ.