pigmentation
Last reviewed 01/2018
Generalised skin pigmentation can reflect abdominal disease - for example liver diseases with jaundice, haemochromatosis with a bronze pigmentation (due to haemosiderin stimulation of melanocytes to produce melanin) and primary biliary cirrhosis (skin hyperpigmentation). Malabsorption may cause an Addisonian type pigmentation - 'sunkissed pigmentation' - of the nipples, palmar creases, pressure areas and the mouth.