Treatment of Minocycline-Induced Hyperpigmentation With a 755-nm Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser: A Case Report

Cutaneous hyperpigmentation is a common side effect of long-term minocycline use. Several laser treatments have been successful in treating minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation, including Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers, Q-switched ruby lasers, and Q-switched Alexandrite lasers. This case report corroborates the efficacy of Q-switched Alexandrite lasers in treating minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation. One patient with this disorder on the upper lip was treated with a Q-switched Alexandrite laser at 2-month intervals for a total of 3 treatments. Very minimal residual hyperpigmentation was experienced after the third treatment session, and the overall outcome was cosmetically desirable to the patient. We agree that the Q-switched Alexandrite laser is an effective treatment for minocycline-induced hyperpigmentation, and we advocate its use in clinical medicine.