Laser treatment of imipramine-induced hyperpigmentation.

BACKGROUND: Blue or slate-gray hyperpigmentation is seen with a variety of medications, including imipramine. We describe a patient with significant imipramine-induced pigmentation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe an effective laser treatment resulting in improvement of imipramine-induced hyperpigmentation, without discontinuing the medication.

METHODS: The patient underwent treatment with carbon dioxide, erbium, alexandrite, and ruby lasers to hyperpigmented areas. Tissue biopsy specimens taken before treatment, immediately after treatment with the alexandrite laser, and at clearing were analyzed by light microscopy.

RESULTS: The Q-switched alexandrite and ruby lasers resulted in clinical improvement in the patient's hyperpigmentation and a decrease in pigment granules on light microscopy.

CONCLUSION: Both the Q-switched alexandrite and ruby lasers are effective treatments for imipramine-induced hyperpigmentation. The improvement is progressive with successive sessions.