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Cutaneous spots and blotches may be yellow because of endogenous or exogenous pigment (xanthochromia), or because of a thick layer of keratin of lipid.
For each of the twelve cases, study the image(s) and then answer the questions. You can click on the image to view a larger version if required.
Each case should take approximately 2 minutes to complete. There is a list of suggested further reading material at the end of the quiz.
What is the diagnosis?
An artificial tan due to hydroxyacetone
What causes the yellow hue in the skin in this condition?
Artificial tan sprays, creams and solutions containing dihydroxyacetone have become very popular. Dihydroxyacetone combines with keratin to form the tan colour and is more pronounced where the stratum corneum is thicker e.g., palms, soles and knees, and on solar lentigos and seborrhoeic keratoses. It also stains hair (xanthotrichia). It peels off as the skin is shed, initially in the flexures. Drugs that may impart a yellow colour to the skin include quinacrine (an antimalarial) and canthaxanthine (sun tan pill).