Can it make me white again? A case report of 88% phenol as a depigmenting agent in vitiligo

Abstract

Vitiligo is the most common depigmenting disorder. However, therapies prove to be time-consuming, costly, or slow to show efficacy. Here, we present a case of a 74-year-old female with vitiligo who underwent full-body depigmentation treatment 50 years ago. Brown patches of repigmentation appeared on the patient's face and arms and were eventually treated with 88% phenol. Patient was later switched to compounded 3% glutathione cream for a more sustained effect. Phenol was an accessible, economical, and easily administrable therapeutic option that can result in short-term depigmentation.

Keywords: 88% phenol; Case report; depigmentation agents; depigmentation therapy; vitiligo.

Figure 1.

Brown macules with adjacent patches of depigmentation involving the face in a patient with vitiligo. Frosted appearance upon post-application of 88% phenol on the face at sites of repigmentation. Face was rinsed with isopropyl alcohol three times prior to phenol application. Picture was taken after patient’s consent.

Figure 2.

Mid-left cheek responded to 88% phenol with fading of brown repigmentation in early 2020. Modest improvements were observed on skin over the face. The nasal bridge was treated with cryotherapy in 2019; sustained depigmentation can be observed. Picture was taken after patient’s consent.