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Melanodermatitis toxicaL81.4

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 08.05.2021

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Synonym(s)

Hoffmann-Habermann's pigment abnormality; melanodermatitis toxica Habermann-Hoffmann; melanodermatitis toxica lichenoides; melanodermitis toxica; Riehl`s melanosis (?); toxic lichenoid melanodermatitis

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HistoryThis section has been translated automatically.

Habermann and Hoffmann, 1918

DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Exogenously triggered, chronic phototoxic, partly also photoallergic reaction with post-inflammatory pigment incontinence.

Probably identical with the clinical picture described by Riehl(Riehl melanosis). S.a.u. Melanosis perioralis et peribuccalis.

EtiopathogenesisThis section has been translated automatically.

  • Caused by contact with lubricating oil and its derivatives, tar fumes, uncleaned petroleum jelly, phototoxic and sensitizing substances.
  • Melanodermatitis toxica as well as melanosis and Riehl's melanosis are the expression of a mostly subclinical chronic persistent photosensitive reaction. Discrete superficial dermatitis leads to melanocytic hypertrophy and hyperplasia. As a consequence of these processes, increased epidermal pigmentation and vivid pigment incontinence occur. The dermal pigmentation essentially determines the dark colour (brown to slate grey) of the lesion.

LocalizationThis section has been translated automatically.

Mainly exposed parts of the body: face, neck, upper chest.

Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.

Dirty-brown hyperpigmentations with follicular keratoses, tender atrophy and telangiectasia.

HistologyThis section has been translated automatically.

Bulky perivascular lymphoid cell infiltrates; pigment incontinence.

General therapyThis section has been translated automatically.

Strict avoidance of the causative substances (mostly fragrances, perfumes, cosmetics, medicines). Slow regression is possible if the cause is avoided.

External therapyThis section has been translated automatically.

As a rule, over-painting of disturbing hyper pigmentations (e.g. Dermacolor) and light protection agents (e.g. Contralum ultra, Anthelios) are the most sensible solutions. Depigmenting external agents like hydroquinone cream(e.g. Pigmanorm) and the more effective combination of hydroquinone-hydrocortisone-Vit. A-acid (e.g. Pigmanorm) are not very useful as it is not only an epidermal pigment but also a dermal pigment which has "dripped off" there in the course of the chronic inflammatory reaction.

Progression/forecastThis section has been translated automatically.

Reverse formation is possible if the cause is avoided.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Hoffmann E, Habermann R (1918) Medicinal and industrial dermatoses caused by war substitutes (Vaseline lubricating oil) and peculiar melanodermatitis. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 4: 261-264
  2. Kang HY (2012) Melasma and aspects of pigmentary disorders in Asia. Ann Dermatol Venereol 139 Suppl 3: 92-55
  3. Khanna N et al (2011) Facial melanoses: Indian perspective. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 77:552-563

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Last updated on: 08.05.2021

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer