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Review
. 2021 Jul;48(7):961-968.
doi: 10.1111/1346-8138.15835. Epub 2021 Mar 8.

Rhododendrol-induced leukoderma update I: Clinical findings and treatment

Kayoko Matsunaga  1 , Kayoko Suzuki  2 , Akiko Ito  1   3 , Atsushi Tanemura  4 , Yuko Abe  5 , Tamio Suzuki  5 , Momoko Yoshikawa  6 , Yasuyuki Sumikawa  6   7 , Akiko Yagami  2 , Yukiko Masui  3 , Shintaro Inoue  8 , Shosuke Ito  9 , Ichiro Katayama  10
Affiliations
Review

Rhododendrol-induced leukoderma update I: Clinical findings and treatment

Kayoko Matsunaga et al. J Dermatol. 2021 Jul.

Abstract

Individuals who used skin-whitening cosmetics (quasi-drugs) containing 2% rhododendrol-containing agents, developed leukoderma at a higher frequency than those who have used other skin-whitening cosmetics. The Rhododenol Research Team (RD-Team) was formed and commissioned by Kanebo Cosmetics Inc. to conduct research in treatments of rhododendrol-induced leukoderma (RDL), to evaluate effective treatment options from a medical standpoint, and provide information to a wide range of people. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of various treatments for RDL from a medical perspective, based on the information published in the literature as original or review articles. We searched the PubMed (international) and the Igaku Chuo Zasshi (ICHUSHI) (Japanese) databases using the keywords "Rhododenol" and "rhododendrol", for articles published between July 2013 and November 2020. We discuss the main clinical findings and treatments (topical, oral, phototherapy, and surgical) of this condition based on the literature review. We found that ultraviolet light therapy is the most effective treatment for RDL. We have also summarized reports of the efficacy of oral vitamin D3 in RDL. A topical prostaglandin derivative has been reported in a new study to be effective. We have provided guidance for patients using self-tanning and skin-whitening agents to improve their quality of life. Finally, we have highlighted the importance of providing patients with information on contact dermatitis and instructing them to discontinue product use immediately if they develop any symptoms of contact dermatitis while using skin-whitening agents.

Keywords: epidemiology; melanin; melanocyte; prognosis; treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

This research was carried out with funding from Kanebo Cosmetics Inc. There are no other conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The chemical structure of rhododendrol. The chemical name is 4‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐butanol, and the proprietary name is Rhododenol
Figure 2
Figure 2
A typical case of rhododendrol‐induced leukoderma with good prognosis, who was cured within one and a half years. (a) The clinical features at the first visit are shown. Relatively indistinct margins, partially mottled leukoderma, and absence of the Koebner phenomenon were seen. (b) The patient was cured after one and a half years
Figure 3
Figure 3
A typical case of rhododendrol‐induced leukoderma with a prolonged course, who developed leukoderma in areas where rhododendrol‐containing cosmetics were not applied, after developing leukoderma in areas where rhododendrol‐containing cosmetics were applied. (a) The clinical features at the first visit are shown. (b) The patient was not improved after one and a half years
Figure 4
Figure 4
A comprehensive evaluation of doctors and patients for the treatment of rhododendrol‐induced leukoderma (referred and partially modified from figure 31 of ref. (UV, ultraviolet)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Matsunaga K, Suzuki K, Suzuki T, Sumikawa Y, Yoshikawa M, Ito S, et al. Review report 2018 on Rhododenol‐induced leukoderma. Jpn J Dermatol. 2018;128:2255–67.
    1. Aoyama Y, Ito A, Suzuki K, Suzuki T, Tanemura A, Nishigori C, et al. The first epidemiological report of Rhododenol‐induced leukoderma in Japan based on a nationwide survey. Jpn J Dermatol. 2014;124:2095–109.
    1. Suzuki K, Aoyama Y, Ito A, Suzuki T, Tanemura A, Nishigori C, et al. The second epidemiological report of Rhododenol‐induced leukoderma in Japan based on a nationwide survey. Jpn J Dermatol. 2014;124:3125–42.
    1. Ito A, Aoyama Y, Suzuki K, Suzuki T, Tanemura A, Nishigori C, et al. The third epidemiological report of Rhododenol‐induced leukoderma in Japan based on a nationwide survey. Jpn J Dermatol. 2015;125:2401–14.
    1. Nishigori C, Aoyama Y, Ito A, Suzuki K, Suzuki T, Tanemura A, et al. Guide for medical professionals (i.e. dermatologists) for the management of Rododenol‐induced leukoderma. J Dermatol. 2015;42:113–28. - PubMed

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