Contact depigmentation induced by propyl gallate.
1Department of Dermatology and STD, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
Clinical and Experimental Dermatology
|May 14, 2011
Summary
Propyl gallate, found in lipstick, kumkum, and flip-flops, caused skin depigmentation in a patient. Patch testing confirmed propyl gallate as a new depigmenting agent.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Contact depigmentation is a rare condition.
- Identifying the causative agent is crucial for patient management.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old woman presented with depigmentation on multiple body sites.
- Exposure included lipstick, liquid kumkum, and rubber flip-flops.
Findings:
- Patch testing identified propyl gallate as the depigmenting agent.
- Propyl gallate was a common ingredient in all implicated products.
- This is the first report of propyl gallate causing contact depigmentation.
Implications:
- Propyl gallate should be considered in cases of unexplained contact depigmentation.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanism of depigmentation by propyl gallate.
- Awareness among dermatologists and consumers about potential depigmenting agents in common products is important.
