Chemical Leukoderma to Hair Dye in a Singaporean Indian – A Rare, Adverse Cosmetic Outcome in Relation to a Ubiquitous Cosmetic Product

Wenhui Huang Anthony Goon

doi:10.4172/2155-9554.1000237

Abstract

Chemical Leukoderma to Hair Dye in a Singaporean Indian – A Rare, Adverse Cosmetic Outcome in Relation to a Ubiquitous Cosmetic Product

Highlights

The diagnosis of Chemical Leukoderma to hair dye was made
Chemical Leukoderma is a rare phenomenon in our local Singapore population
Multiple hypopigmented patches with irregular edges were noted over the scalp (Figure 1). Some of these hypopigmented areas especially those located at the frontal scalp region (Figures 1A and 1B) were surrounded by a narrow rim of

Summary

A 54 year old Indian lady developed progressive hypopigmented lesions of her scalp after using an over-the-counter hair dye. Multiple hypopigmented areas with irregular edges are hyperpigmentation. Leukotrichia was noted over a sizeable area of hypopigmentation at the right frontal scalp region (Figure 1). Some of these hypopigmented areas are surrounded by a narrow rim of hyperpigmentation. The diagnosis of Chemical Leukoderma to hair dye was made. There was no development of hypopigmentation over the patch-tested sites. Chemical Leukoderma is a rare phenomenon in our local Singapore population. The simultaneous occurrence of both hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation in our patient, which represents development of Chemical Leukoderma (melanocytic inhibitory reaction) and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (melanocytic stimulatory reaction) respectively, is presumptively even rarer. Definitive management requires prompt discontinuation of the offending product

Initial Diagnosis and Workup

Physical Examination

Discussion