A case of ochronosis successfully treated with the picosecond laser.

Exogenous ochronosis is a cutaneous condition characterized by blue-black pigmentation resulting as a complication of long-term application of skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone and other substances such as quinine, phenol and mercury derivatives. We report a case of a 55-year-old woman who developed exogenous ochronosis as a result of prolonged use of topical hydroquinone for 5 years, characterized by greyish hyperpigmented patches on the nose and cheeks. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically. Treatment with picosecond laser resulted in marked clinical improvement together with improvement in overall texture and quality of the skin.