Pigmentary disorders: chemical leukoderma: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Pigmentary disorders: chemical leukoderma

Sample item

A rubber factory worker has depigmented patches on the hands and forearms, then new satellite macules at distant sites, resembling vitiligo. Exposure to which compounds is suspected?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Phenolic and catechol derivatives

Chemical (occupational) leukoderma follows exposure to phenolic and catechol compounds such as para-tertiary butylphenol, found in rubber, adhesives and some germicidal detergents. They are toxic to melanocytes and can trigger distant depigmentation. Management is avoiding the agent, with treatment as for vitiligo.

Option by option

  • A. Phenolic and catechol derivatives (correct)

    Correct. Phenols and catechols are melanocytotoxic and cause depigmentation resembling vitiligo.

  • B. Nickel salts

    Nickel salts cause allergic contact dermatitis rather than depigmentation.

  • C. Formaldehyde resins

    Formaldehyde resins cause allergic contact dermatitis rather than depigmentation.

  • D. Chromates

    Chromates are classic causes of allergic contact dermatitis in cement and leather workers, not leukoderma.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is A, Phenolic and catechol derivatives. Chemical (occupational) leukoderma follows exposure to phenolic and catechol compounds such as para-tertiary butylphenol, found in rubber, adhesives and some germicidal detergents.

Why is "Nickel salts" not the answer?

Nickel salts cause allergic contact dermatitis rather than depigmentation.

Why is "Formaldehyde resins" not the answer?

Formaldehyde resins cause allergic contact dermatitis rather than depigmentation.

Why is "Chromates" not the answer?

Chromates are classic causes of allergic contact dermatitis in cement and leather workers, not leukoderma.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pigmentary disorders: chemical leukoderma in Dermatology. They are toxic to melanocytes and can trigger distant depigmentation. Management is avoiding the agent, with treatment as for vitiligo.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Pigmentary disorders: chemical leukoderma?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.