Handling hyperpigmentation during chemotherapy

Hyperpigmentation

The pathogenesis of altered pigmentation is poorly understood. It's thought to be as a result of deviation in the amount and distribution of melanin and also the direct stimulation of the melanocyte.

It comes with an increased incidence of hyperpigmentation in dark-skinned persons. It is almost always manifested on the skin, but the areas, like the nails, hair, and oral mucous membranes, are also reported.

Hyperpigmentation disappears as time passes, and also the changes are hardly ever permanent. One of the cutaneous complications related to 5-fluorouracil is serpiginous hyper-pigmented streaks overlying the veins employed for administration in the absence of the usual indicators of phlebitis.

5-fluorouracil is believed to create endothelial fragility, that allows the drug to flee in to the tissues, resulting in hyperpigmentation of the overlying skin. An identical result of hyperpigmented linear streaks of the veins has additionally been reported with bleomycin.

Among African Americans, hyperpigmentation of the oral mucosa and also the tongue continues to be noted after administration of doxorubicin, busulfan, and cyclophosphamide.

Measure the patient's baseline skin ailment and evaluate their skincare regimen. Assure the individual that hyperpigmentation will resolve in time. Ask the individual about concomitant medications that is going to influence skin reactions. Instruct the individual to make use of sunscreen.. Monitor the infusion site when administering 5-fluorouracil; discontinue the infusion in the first manifestation of irritation and restart a brand new line.

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