Q10-triggered facial vitiligo.

BACKGROUND

Generation and accumulation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species in the epidermis of patients with vitiligo has been widely documented. Moreover, semiquinone radical-mediated sensitivity has been shown in blood lymphocytes of these patients.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the possible mechanism behind Q10-induced facial vitiligo.

METHODS

This was a clinical assessment supported by in vivo Fourier transform-Raman spectroscopy and repigmentation.

RESULTS

Topical Q10 application generated hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) leading in turn to facial vitiligo in susceptible individuals. Proof of the basic result stemmed from reduction of epidermal H2 O2 by using narrowband ultraviolet B-activated propseudocatalase PC-KUS in association with cessation of depigmentation and repigmentation of the lost skin colour.

CONCLUSIONS

Over-the-counter availability of Q10-containing topical formulations can be harmful to individuals susceptible to vitiligo.