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Dark skin
Rashes
Hyperpigmentation
There is a sore
There is darkened skin on the toe
Sores on neck
Darker skin
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With a free 3-min Friction Melanosis quiz, powered by Ubie's AI and doctors, find possible causes of your symptoms.
This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
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This condition occurs when repeated rubbing of the skin with towels causes discoloration over the clavicle and spine.
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
To prevent this, avoid rubbing the skin with rough or sharp materials. The discoloration may not completely disappear.
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Mar 31, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Yoon JH, Jang YJ, Cho EB, Park EJ, Kim KH, Kim KJ. A Rare Case of Transient Friction Melanosis of the Finger: A Case Report. Ann Dermatol. 2021 Dec;33(6):568-571. doi: 10.5021/ad.2021.33.6.568. Epub 2021 Nov 4. PMID: 34858009; PMCID: PMC8577913.
https://anndermatol.org/DOIx.php?id=10.5021/ad.2021.33.6.568Al-Aboosi M, Abalkhail A, Kasim O, Al-Khatib A, Qarqaz F, Todd D, Al-Khidour M, Obeidate F. Friction melanosis: a clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural study in Jordanian patients. Int J Dermatol. 2004 Apr;43(4):261-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2004.01606.x. PMID: 15090007.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15090007/#:~:text=Background%3A%20Friction%20melanosis%20(FM),clavicular%20zone%20and%20upper%20back.Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
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