Kratom‐Induced Hyperpigmentation: An Emerging Clinicopathologic Pattern
Abstract
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a commonly used over-the-counter supplement with opioid-like and dopaminergic activity. Cutaneous side effects have been incompletely characterized; only limited case reports describe its associated hyperpigmentation. We describe two cases of kratom-induced photodistributed brown-gray patches with biopsies that show circular, orange-brown granules in the dermis that stain positive with Fontana-Masson and negative for iron. In conjunction with existing literature, our cases suggest a possible distinct clinicopathologic pattern for which kratom use can be suspected.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Alkaloids: synthesis and pharmacology
Plant-based Medicinal Research
Berberine and alkaloids research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Cutaneous Pathology
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 53
- Issue
- 10
- Pages
- 893–897
- Publication date
- 5 April 2026
- Language
- EN