PILOT STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF MINOCYCLINE IN THE TREATMENT OF PROGRESSIVE MACULAR HYPOMELANOSIS (PMH)

Introduction: Progressive macular hypomelanosis (PMH) is characterized by hypopigmented maculae on the thorax, abdomen, and lumbar region. It is often misdiagnosed, and its etiology is unknown. Recently, suggestive lesions of porphyria, produced by Propionibacterium acnes, were discovered by red fluorescence of the lesions.
Objective: Evaluating the efficacy of Minocycline, 100 mg/day, in the treatment of progressive macular hypomelanosis.
Material and methods: Patients older than 16 with at least a 3-month history, without allergies to tetracycline derivatives, and without a history of treatment with antibiotics for 90 days before the study, were included. Pictures were taken before beginning treatment and after 30, 60, 90, and 120 days and after this whenever possible.
Results: Out of 19 patients, 11 completed the study. All of them showed recovery of the color in the affected areas. Treatment success could be demonstrated for a minimum of 7 months and a maximum of 11 months after treatment.
Conclusion: The isolated use of minocycline, 100 mg/day for 3 months, was effective in the treatment of PMH, confirming the probable role of P. acnes as the etiological agent.