Black dermographism
Alerts and Notices
Important News & Links
Synopsis
Black dermographism is a darkly pigmented or black skin discoloration due to surface deposition of metallic particles on the skin. It occurs underneath rings, bracelets, other jewelry, and other metal objects directly in points of contact with the skin.
Gold is most commonly associated with black dermographism, but objects containing silver, platinum, copper, nickel, and iron are also frequently associated. Abrasions between these metals and makeup powders, sunscreens, and toothpastes applied to the skin – especially those containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide – can result in physical deposition of pigmented metallic particles.
Unlike true dermographism, black dermographism is not an urticarial-type reaction. Therefore, black dermographism does not appear as localized wheals and should be neither pruritic nor erythematous.
Most cases are asymptomatic, and the discoloration is not permanent.
Gold is most commonly associated with black dermographism, but objects containing silver, platinum, copper, nickel, and iron are also frequently associated. Abrasions between these metals and makeup powders, sunscreens, and toothpastes applied to the skin – especially those containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide – can result in physical deposition of pigmented metallic particles.
Unlike true dermographism, black dermographism is not an urticarial-type reaction. Therefore, black dermographism does not appear as localized wheals and should be neither pruritic nor erythematous.
Most cases are asymptomatic, and the discoloration is not permanent.
Codes
ICD10CM:
L81.9 – Disorder of pigmentation, unspecified
SNOMEDCT:
373591006 – Disorders of skin caused by physical agents
L81.9 – Disorder of pigmentation, unspecified
SNOMEDCT:
373591006 – Disorders of skin caused by physical agents
Look For
Subscription Required
Diagnostic Pearls
Subscription Required
Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential
Subscription Required
Best Tests
Subscription Required
Management Pearls
Subscription Required
Therapy
Subscription Required
References
Subscription Required
Last Updated:09/20/2016