chemical leukoderma

Clinical manifestations: 1) hypopigmented areas similar appearance to vitiligo 2) often begins on hands 3) satellite lesions in areas NOT exposed to chemicals Epidemiology: - exposure to chemical that selectively destroy melanocytes - phenols & catechols in germicides & rubber products Pathology: 1) decreased numbers of melanocytes 2) release of cellular antigens & activation of circulating lymphocytes may explain satellited phenomenon Laboratory: 1) under Wood's lamp, lesions become more apparent (chalk white) 2) skin biopsy NOT diagnostic

Related

hypopigmentation vitiligo

References

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 13th ed. Isselbacher et al (eds), McGraw-Hill Inc. NY, 1994, pg 296