Thymol-Induced Chemical Leukoderma Successfully Treated with 308-Nanometer Excimer Laser

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Chemical leukoderma (CL) is an acquired skin depigmentation disorder.
• Thymol, a phenol derivative, is used in various consumer products as a preservative or antiseptic.

Observation:

• A 48-year-old woman developed depigmentation of all ten nail folds.
• The condition arose after using a thymol-containing compound for gel nail removal.

Findings:

• The depigmentation was diagnosed as chemical leukoderma.
• Partial re-pigmentation was achieved using 308-nm excimer laser treatments.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis of CL requires detailed patient history and physical examination.
• Avoiding the causative chemical agent is crucial for management.
• Excimer laser therapy offers an effective treatment option for CL with a good safety profile.