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Leucoderma induced by monomethyl ether of hydroquinone
Author(s) -
BOYLE J.,
KENNEDY C.T.C.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2230.1985.tb00544.x
Subject(s) - medicine , dermatology , hydroquinone , chemistry , organic chemistry
Summary Hydroquinone is widely used as a skin‐lightening agent, and topical application lor the treatment of hyperpigmented lesions is considered to be safe and moderately effective. The monabenzyl ether of hydroquinone is well recognized for producing excessive depigmentation at sites distant from its application. The monomethyl ether of hydroquinone is used in Europe and Africa because it is more effective than hydroquinone and is said not to produce irregular leucoderma and depigmentation at distant sites. We report the case of a young West Indian girl who used 2% monomethyl ether of hydroquinone for 3 months and developed extensive confetti‐like hypopigmentation. The clinical, histological and biochemical findings are discussed.