The patient in her early fifties had been facing humiliation and stigma from family and community due to progressive pigmentation over her face for the last six months. Initially, she applied local face creams and over the counter lotion, but the pigmentation kept increasing. She ignored the condition until the humiliation was awful. She was advised by one of her acquaintances to visit a specialist doctor at UPTM.
She visited Ahiraura CHC Telemedicine center for the solution. In her consultation with the dermatologist, she was diagnosed with Addisonian pigmentation, a rare endocrine disorder that affects 1 in 100,000 people. A variety of pathological processes may cause Addison’s disease. Classically, hyperpigmentation is associated with the disease, and intraoral pigmentation is perceived as the initial sign and develops earlier than dermatological pigmentation.
The doctor counselled regarding the condition and assured her situation will improve with proper treatment. She was started on treatment and Methycobal shots (Vit B12) were given over a period of 4 weeks. She is now gradually recovering and under constant medication. “Being ignored by anyone is the worst situation. I am hopeful, I will be liked by everyone again like I used to before pigmentation.” – said the Patient.