Report of Two Cases of Hypomelanosis of Vitiligo Type Probably due to Benoquin / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Two cases of vitiligo-type hypomelanosis followed by the local application of Benoquin ointment for the treatment for the treatment of melasma are reported. These two cases of hypomelanosis are unwanted and unintended side effects probably caused by the application of monobenzyl ethers of hydrcquinone (monobenzone). Monobenzone blocks the enzyme tyrosinase and thereby prevents the conversion of tyrosine to dihydroxyphenylanine, a precursor of melanin, and since this does not destroy melanocyte or facilitate the loss of melanin. The skin contact with the material will not occur, repigmentation will slow but eventuaIly complete.