Vitiligo caused by chloroquine phototoxicity

J R Army Med Corps. 1998 Oct;144(3):163-5. doi: 10.1136/jramc-144-03-11.

Abstract

A six year old girl of Ethiopian origin suffering from atopic eczema since the age of two is presented. Prior to a visit to her grandparents in Ethiopia, she received 250 mg chloroquine weekly as a prophylaxis against malaria. Three weeks thereafter, she developed sharply demarcated depigmented areas on the face, especially in the periorbital area. On returning home to Norway the medication was discontinued, and after a few weeks the first signs of repigmentation were noticed. Eight months after cessation of therapy, almost complete repigmentation had been achieved. Complete repigmentation was observed one year after the cessation of chloroquine-therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antimalarials / adverse effects*
  • Black People
  • Child
  • Chloroquine / adverse effects*
  • Dermatitis, Phototoxic / etiology*
  • Dermatitis, Phototoxic / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Vitiligo / chemically induced*
  • Vitiligo / pathology

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Chloroquine