From the Guidelines
Skin discoloration rashes are characterized by changes in skin color, often appearing as flat patches that may be pink to brownish-black, and can be a common side effect of certain treatments, affecting 75%–100% of patients, as noted in the British Thoracic Society guidelines 1. These rashes can result from various factors, including medication side effects, and may resemble sun-tanning, usually disappearing within 6–12 months after stopping treatment. Some key characteristics of skin discoloration rashes include:
- Appearance of flat patches of skin with changed color
- Colors can range from pink to brownish-black
- Common in patients undergoing certain treatments, with a frequency of 75%–100% 1
- Typically resolves on its own within 6–12 months after stopping treatment It is essential to advise patients of the potential for skin discoloration prior to commencing treatment, as noted in the guidelines 1. Other skin-related side effects, such as ichthyosis, dry skin, pruritus, and photosensitivity reactions, can also occur, highlighting the importance of monitoring and managing these conditions to improve patient outcomes.
From the Research
Definition and Types of Skin Discoloration Rashes
- Skin discoloration rashes can be caused by various factors, including adverse drug reactions 2, primary immune deficiency diseases 3, and allergic skin diseases 4.
- These rashes can manifest in different forms, such as:
- Maculopapular rashes
- Urticarial rashes
- Blistering rashes
- Pustular rashes
- Exanthematous drug eruptions
- Fixed drug eruptions
- Photosensitivity eruptions
Causes of Skin Discoloration Rashes
- Adverse drug reactions can cause skin discoloration rashes, with a wide range of medications implicated, including antihistamines 5.
- Primary immune deficiency diseases can also cause skin discoloration rashes, often as an early or heralding finding of the underlying immunologic disease 3.
- Allergic skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, can increase the risk of skin infections, including bacterial and viral infections, which can cause skin discoloration rashes 6.
Characteristics of Skin Discoloration Rashes
- Skin discoloration rashes can have various characteristics, including:
- Urticaria/angioedema
- Contact dermatitis
- Anaphylaxis
- Fixed drug eruption (FDE)
- Maculopapular rashes
- The onset of skin discoloration rashes can vary, ranging from a few minutes to several hours or longer, depending on the underlying cause 5.