HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Dark Spots On Gum While On Methotrexate And Sulfasalazine?

My 15-yr old daughter has rheumatoid arthritis. She takes methotrexate, sulfasalazine, ibuprofin, and folate. The dental hygienist found a dark spot (3mm) on her gums. The dentist said it was a freckle. Does that sound right? It seemed somewhat dismissive.
Thu, 14 Jul 2016
Report Abuse
Dentist,  's  Response
Hello,

I can understand your concern. The dark spot on the gum is not a side effect of any of the medicines your daughter is taking. It is also not because of the Rhumatoid Arthritis she is suffering from.

Having some dark spots on gums is normal. It is due to the pigmentation by melanin, the coloring substance responsible for color of skin. Thus, your dental hygienist is right is diagnosing it as a freckle.

However, if she develops new spots that are not present now, if this spot increases in size, ulcerates, bleeds, swells or changes color, then you should see a dentist for biopsy of the lesion. Otherwise, you can accept it as a freckle and do not need to do anything about it.

I hope this information helps you. Thank you for choosing HCM. Take care.

Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Dark Spots On Gum While On Methotrexate And Sulfasalazine?

Hello, I can understand your concern. The dark spot on the gum is not a side effect of any of the medicines your daughter is taking. It is also not because of the Rhumatoid Arthritis she is suffering from. Having some dark spots on gums is normal. It is due to the pigmentation by melanin, the coloring substance responsible for color of skin. Thus, your dental hygienist is right is diagnosing it as a freckle. However, if she develops new spots that are not present now, if this spot increases in size, ulcerates, bleeds, swells or changes color, then you should see a dentist for biopsy of the lesion. Otherwise, you can accept it as a freckle and do not need to do anything about it. I hope this information helps you. Thank you for choosing HCM. Take care. Best, Dr. Viraj Shah