Kratom-Induced Photodistributed Hyperpigmentation: A Case Report

Main Article Content

Sonia P. Goyal, BS
Neal Varughese, MD, MBA

Keywords

kratom, photodistribution, hyperpigmentation, blue-gray pigmentation

Abstract

Kratom, derived from the plant Mitragyna speciosa, is increasingly being used in the United States to alleviate the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. A rare, but emerging side effect of long term kratom use is blue-gray hyperpigmentation of sun-exposed skin. We report the seventh known case of kratom-induced hyperpigmentation in the United States. We describe a unique case of a 41-year-old male with kratom-induced hyperpigmentation with supporting clinical and histologic findings, highlighting the need to consider kratom in the differential diagnosis of photodistributed hyperpigmentation.

References

1. Powell LR, Ryser TJ, Morey GE, Cole R. Kratom as a novel cause of photodistributed hyperpigmentation. JAAD Case Rep. 2022; 28:145-8.

2. Johnson KM, Lause M, Chung C, Massick S. Kratom ingestion associated with photodistributed hyperpigmentation. Int J Dermatol. 2023;62:e494-6.

3. Suleman S, Khan R, Ioffe DO, Chisholm C. Photodistributed hyperpigmentation in a chronic kratom user. Int Clin Med Case Rep J. 2023;2:1-5.

4. Patel S, Phelan N. Photo distributed gray-blue hyperpigmentation due to kratom use. J Integr Dermatol. 2024.

5. Gandhi I, Wang X, Fishman S. Rare case of photodistributed hyperpigmentation linked to kratom consumption. Cutis. 2024;114:E7-9.

6. Tassavor B, Young Eun C, Nikolskaia O, et al. Hyperpigmentation From Chronic Kratom Use: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Cureus 2024;17(2): e79804.

7. Grundmann O. Patterns of Kratom use and health impact in the US-results from an online survey. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2017;176:63–70.

8. Warner ML, Kaufman NC, Grundmann O. The pharmacology and toxicology of kratom: from traditional herb to drug of abuse. Int J Legal Med. 2016;130:127-138.
9. Eggleston W, Stoppacher R, Suen K, Marraffa JM, Nelson LS. Kratom Use and Toxicities in the United States. Pharmacotherapy. 2019;39(7):775-777.

10. Kruegel AC, Grundmann O: The medicinal chemistry and neuropharmacology of kratom: a preliminary discussion of a promising medicinal plant and analysis of its potential for abuse. Neuropharmacology. 2018;134:108-20.

11. Cinosi E., Martinotti G., Simonato P., et al. Following “the roots” of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa): the evolution of an enhancer from a traditional use to increase work and productivity in Southeast Asia to a recreational psychoactive drug in western countries. Biomed Res Int. 2015; e968786.

12. Karrer S. Amiodarone-Induced Pigmentation Resolves After Treatment With the Q-Switched Ruby Laser. Arch Dermatol. 1999;135(3):251.