ABSTRACT
Leukoderma due to chemical exposure has been associated with several classes of compounds, most being phenols or thiols. Thiol groups are able to react with L-dopaquinone to form dopa-thiol conjugates that are pheomelanogenic precursors. Occupational leukoderma due to exposure to chemicals was first reported in 1939. The depigmentation, which may resemble vitiligo, was produced by the monobenzy 1 ether of hydroquinone, which translocated from rubber gloves worn by workers. Chemical depigmentation has been associated mainly with phenols or sulfhydryl compounds, but divalent metals that bind to melanin have also been implicated. Repigmentation after exposure to depigmenting agents is highly variable. Aside from individual variation, it is related to the degree and length of exposure to the agent. Reduction to complete absence of melanin was noted with hematoxylin and eosin and silver stains of skin specimens with clinically observed hypopigmentation and/or depigmentation.
