Regional Dermatoses in the African

Acquired facial hyperpigmentation is a common problem among African patients, particularly women, where the causes of the dermatoses are identified largely from circumstantial evidence of exposure to known agents. These include hydroquinone-induced exogenous ochronosis from skin-bleaching creams, mercury deposits from mercury-containing skin-lightening soaps and creams, sulfonamide-related drugs, antimalarials, fixed drug eruptions, clofazimine, and photosensitizing herbal concoctions. The differential diagnosis includes melasma and facial erythema ab igne (local cooks).