What does ochronosis mean?

Ochronosis is the bluish black discoloration of certain tissues, such as the ear cartilage and the ocular tissue, seen with alkaptonuria, a metabolic disorder.

What causes ochronosis?

It is generally caused by a rare genetic disease called alkaptonuria. People with this disease have a deficiency in an enzyme called homogentisic acid oxidase which allows the build-up of certain substances that eventually deposit in connective tissue found throughout the body.

How is ochronosis treated?

Ochronotic arthropathy is treated with physiotherapy, analgesia, rest, and prosthetic joint replacement when necessary.

Does ochronosis go away?

Exogenous ochronosis-like pigmentation, may occur after the topical application of hydroquinone, is limited to sites of application. The hyperpigmentation may fade slightly after discontinuing the agent, but the discoloration is usually permanent.

How is ochronosis diagnosed?

Synovial fluid examination of affected joints shows characteristic frequent pigmented fibrillar connective tissue, which are golden-brown with microscopy, while being black on gross examination. Arthroscopy can be used in diagnosing cases of ochronotic arthropathy.

Can 2 hydroquinone cause ochronosis?

Exogenous Ochronosis It is also used to treat hyperpigmentation problems such as melasma. Even though the proportion of hydroquinone present in some of these creams is as low as 2%, it may still cause ochronosis with prolonged use.

Is ochronosis reversible?

While this has not proven effective in reversing or removing existing ochronotic deposits, it possesses the capability to arrest the deposition process.

What does ochronosis look like?

Ochronosis is an uncommon disorder characterized by a clinical appearance of blue-black or gray-blue pigmentation, which reflects the histological finding of yellow-brown deposits in the dermis. [2] It most commonly affects the skin and sometimes the cartilages of ears and sclera of eyes.

Can hydroquinone treat ochronosis?

Is it safe to use hydroquinone everyday?

Hydroquinone, a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The efficacy of this treatment can be enhanced by using a retinoid nightly and a mid-potent steroid, which is applied twice daily for 2 weeks, then at weekends only.

How do you know if you have ochronosis?

Cartilage: Darkening and hardening of ear cartilage is a prominent feature of ochronosis. Nasal cartilage is also frequently involved….Symptoms of exogenous ochronosis include:

1. Yellow-brown, banana-shaped fibers.
2. Caviar-like papules.
3. Brown-grey or blue-black hyperpigmentation.

Can I use hydroquinone everyday?

What are the two main forms of ochronosis?

Disorders characterized by blue-gray to black pigmentation due to deposition of ochre colored pigment in connective tissues 2 main forms: alkaptonuria / endogenous ochronosis (homogentisate 1,2 dioxygenase deficiency) and exogenous ochronosis (overuse of topical hydroquinone and other medicaments)

What does ochronosis mean in terms of arthritis?

The arthritis associated with this condition is called ochronosis due to the dark color of the pigment that is deposited in the cartilage that resembles the vegetable okra.

Is there a cure or treatment for ochronosis?

There is currently (as of February 2018) no effective treatment for ochronosis. Ochronosis was defined by Virchow, who histologically described the connective tissue in alkaptonuria, given the cartilage’s ocher (yellow) hue under the microscope. For skeletal radiographic manifestations consider:

What causes ochronosis of the skin and cartilage?

Endogenous Ochronosis occurs due to low amounts of homogentisic acid oxidase. Alternatively, changes in the skin and cartilage can be brought about by administration of quinacrine.