Overview
Acromelanosis is a rare skin condition that causes dark patches of pigmentation (extra coloring) to appear on the tips of the fingers and toes, and sometimes on the edges of the ears and nose. The name comes from 'acro' meaning extremities (the far ends of the body) and 'melanosis' meaning darkening of the skin due to melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. The condition is also sometimes called acral melanosis or peripheral melanosis. The darkening happens because pigment-producing cells in the skin, called melanocytes, become overactive in these specific areas. The patches are usually flat, well-defined, and range in color from brown to dark brown or black. The condition is generally not painful and does not cause physical discomfort. It mainly affects the appearance of the skin. Treatment options are limited because the condition is largely cosmetic. Some people choose to use skin-lightening creams or cosmetic cover-up products. There is no known cure, and the pigmentation tends to be long-lasting. Regular check-ups with a dermatologist are recommended to make sure the dark patches are not related to any other underlying health condition.
Key symptoms:
Dark brown or black patches on the fingertips and toe tipsDarkening of the skin around the edges of the earsDarkening of the skin on the tip or sides of the noseWell-defined borders around the dark patchesFlat (not raised) discolored skin areasNo pain or itching in the affected areasGradual or slow spread of pigmentation over timeSymmetrical darkening on both hands or both feet
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Acromelanosis.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Acromelanosis at this time.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Acromelanosis.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Acromelanosis.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Could my skin darkening be caused by an underlying health condition that needs treatment?,Do I need any blood tests or other investigations to rule out hormonal or systemic causes?,What treatment options are available to reduce the appearance of the dark patches?,Will the pigmentation spread or get worse over time?,Should I use sunscreen on the affected areas, and if so, what type?,How often should I come back for follow-up appointments?,Are there any support groups or resources for people with rare skin pigmentation conditions?
Common questions about Acromelanosis
What is Acromelanosis?
Acromelanosis is a rare skin condition that causes dark patches of pigmentation (extra coloring) to appear on the tips of the fingers and toes, and sometimes on the edges of the ears and nose. The name comes from 'acro' meaning extremities (the far ends of the body) and 'melanosis' meaning darkening of the skin due to melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. The condition is also sometimes called acral melanosis or peripheral melanosis. The darkening happens because pigment-producing cells in the skin, called melanocytes, become overactive in these specific areas. The patches are usual