Hyperpigmentation of the Skin Following Chloroquine Treatment - Case Series Report

In this article, we are collectively presenting case reports of 15 patients who developed pigmentary changes of the skin and mucus membrane during the course of chloroquine therapy for connective tissue disorders. These female patients developed hyper pigmentation of the skin, largely on the exposed parts of the body. The pigmentary changes varied from brownish/ grayish/ bluish-black in color, patchy or diffuse, intense or mild. The shortest time lag between onset of chloroquine therapy and development of pigmentary changes was 3 months. The patients should be informed about this cosmetically important toxic effect of chloroquine and advised to avoid direct exposure to sunlight.