Leukoderma Following Monobenzyl Ether of Hydroquinone Bleaching

Abstract

Treatment of vitiligo in the Negro with monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBH) producing complete and uniform depigmentation of the normal uninvolved Negro skin has recently been reported.¹ It is not the purpose of this report to discount such results but rather to emphasize the unpredicability of bleaching with MBH when it is used on normal Negro skin or for pathologically pigmented white skin.^2-5 No Negro subject in the present study had vitiligo although one did have a long standing leukoderma from previous exposure to rubber gloves containing agerite alba, the antioxidant from which MBH was originally derived. His response to treatment with MBH was similar to the others where depigmentation was achieved. Comparable results were also observed when MBH was used on pathologically pigmented white skin. Methods and Results in Negro As part of a clinical study to determine the effectiveness of monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBH) as