HYPERPIGMENTATION

Ask the Following Questions:

1. Is there a history of drug ingestion? Argyria, arsenic poisoning, and methemoglobinemia are among the considerations in taking a drug history.
2. Is there hepatomegaly? The presence of hepatomegaly would make one think of hemochromatosis.
3. Is there significant weight loss? The presence of significant weight loss would suggest Addison's disease, pellagra, hyperthyroidism, or an ectopic hormone-secreting tumor.
4. Is there a history of seizures or neuropathy? The history of seizures or neuropathy should make one consider porphyria.

DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP

The serum iron and iron-binding capacity should be measured to rule out hemochromatosis. A thyroid profile will exclude hyperthyroidism. A serum cortisol and ACTH stimulation test will identify Addison's disease. A urine for porphyrins and porphobilinogen will diagnose porphyria. A urine N -methyl niacinamide will help diagnose pellagra.

If there is still doubt after these studies are done, a skin or liver biopsy may be done to rule out hemochromatosis, and a CT scan of the abdomen will help identify Addison's disease.

Book Source Details

• Book Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs
• Author(s): R. Douglas Collins
• Year of Publication: 2003
• Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Other Book Chapters Related to Hyperpigmentation

Read excerpts from these other book chapters related to Hyperpigmentation:

Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.

More About Causes of Hyperpigmentation

• Back to symptom: Hyperpigmentation: Introduction (review 126 causes)
• Next Book Extract About Hyperpigmentation: MOUTH PIGMENTATION (Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)
• All Book Extracts: All Online Book Extracts for Hyperpigmentation

More About This Book: Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs Authors: R. Douglas Collins Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Copyright: 2003 ISBN: 0-7817-3805-9

 » Next page: MOUTH PIGMENTATION (Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)

Rate This Website

What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:

Website User Survey

Medical Tools & Articles:

Next articles:

• MOUTH PIGMENTATION (Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)
• Hyperpigmentation (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
• Pigmented Lesions (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
• Skin Pigmentation (Decreased) (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
• Genital Skin Lesions (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

Tools & Services:

• Bookmark this page
• Related medical articles for Hyperpigmentation:
• Take a survey relating to Hyperpigmentation
• Symptom Search
• Symptom Checker
• Medical Dictionary
• Give your feedback

Medical Articles:

• Disease & Treatments Search
• Misdiagnosis Center
• Full list of interesting articles

Forums & Message Boards

• Ask or answer a question at the Boards:
• I cannot get a diagnosis. Please help.
• Tell us your medical story.
• Share your misdiagnosis story.
• What is the best treatment for my condition?
• See all the Boards.

Enter your search terms Submit search form
Search The Web Search wrongdiagnosis.com

Common Health Mistakes

Symptom
Checker

Search Specialists by State and City