Can Vitiligo be cause by chemical exposue? - Dr. Rashmi Ravindra

Hi, I'm Dr. Rashmi Ravindra, I'm consultant dermatologist and cosmetic dermatologist, my clinic Meenakshi Cosmoderma Care is at Arkere Mico Layout, Bannerghatta Road. I also consult at BGS Global Hospital, Uttarahalli Road, near Kengeri.

Yes, exposure to certain chemicals will cause white skin and it's not vitiligo, vitiligo is a, it has genetic predisposition and it is autoimmune.

Not all white skin is vitiligo, but vitiligo is definitely a white skin disease, that is leukoderma what we call.

People working in factories, for example, leather factories, they are exposed for monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone, they are more prone for contact leukoderma, that is called contact white skin, so it's not vitiligo, it is contact induced depigmentation.

And also at workplace like aliphatic and aromatic compounds of phenols and catechols, those chemicals are more prone for contact leukoderma.

Also certain chemicals in cosmetic products, for example, azo dyes in lipstick, eyeliners and lip liners, as well as PPD, that is PPD in hair dyes will cause contact leukoderma, as well as in chemicals like PTBP compound in perfumes and deodorants will cause contact leukoderma and it is not contact vitiligo, so it is called contact depigmentation or contact leukoderma.