​Symptoms and Signs – Differential Diagnosis of Cutaneous Color Changes

​Symptoms and Signs – Differential Diagnosis of  Cutaneous Color Changes
BROWN
• Generalized: pituitary, adrenal, liver disease; adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) producing tumor (e.g., oat cell lung carcinoma)
• Localized: nevi, neurofibromatosis
WHITE
• Generalized: albinism
• Localized: vitiligo, Raynaud’s syndrome
RED (ERYTHEMA)
• Generalized: fever, polycythemia, urticaria, viral exanthems
• Localized: inflammation, infection, Raynaud’s syndrome
YELLOW
• Generalized: liver disease, chronic renal disease, anemia
• Generalized (except sclera): hypothyroidism, increased intake of vegetables containing carotene
• Localized: resolving hematoma, infection, peripheral vascular insufficiency
BLUE
• Lips, mouth, nail beds: cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, Raynaud’s syndrome