Nail pigmentation caused by hydroxyurea: report of 9 cases

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002 Jul;47(1):146-7. doi: 10.1067/mjd.2002.120910.

Abstract

We report a series of 9 patients, 6 men and 3 women, who presented nail hyperpigmentation arising between 6 and 24 months from the start of hydroxyurea therapy. The most commonly observed clinical pattern was that of longitudinal melanonychia. In only 1 patient, who was affected in all 20 nails, we observed longitudinal melanonychia, diffuse melanonychia, and hyperpigmentation of the skin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyurea / adverse effects*
  • Hydroxyurea / therapeutic use
  • Hyperpigmentation / chemically induced*
  • Hyperpigmentation / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nail Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Nail Diseases / diagnosis
  • Risk Assessment

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Hydroxyurea