Hydroquinone

Uses

Hydroquinone is a skin bleaching agent.

Hydroquinone is a skin-bleaching agent used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, melasma, age spots, and acne scars. Hydroquinone decreases the formation of melanin in the skin (Melanin is the pigment in skin that gives it a brown color). In most cases, lightening of skin should be seen after 4 weeks of treatment. Sometimes it may take longer to see any change but if no bleaching effect is seen after 3 months of treatment, you should stop using hydroquinone.

Dosing

Hydroquinone is an over-the-counter drug that may be used in concentrations of up to 2%. Most prescription-strength hydroquinone formulations contain 3�4%, but concentrations as high as 10% may be available through compounding pharmacies. When prescribed by a physician, it is often combined with other actives, such as tretinoin, retinol, vitamin C or glycolic acid.

Test the cream 24 hours before use by applying a small amount to the treated area. If no redness or irritation occurs, you can begin treatment. Hydroquinone should be applied just enough to cover the affected areas and avoid applying to normal skin. Do not apply near the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. When using non-medicated cosmetics, sunscreens, and moisturizing lotions, apply hydroquinone first, then wait several minutes before applying them over the top.

Side Effects

Side effects are minor and may include mild itching or stinging and reddening of the skin. If you experience severe burning, itching, crusting, or swelling of treated area, discontinue use and seek medical attention.

Some studies have revealed that prolonged use of hydroquinone can cause exogenous ochronosis, a disfiguring disease in which blue-black pigments are deposited onto the skin. This is rare and mostly limited to people who live in Africa.

Notes of Precaution

Do not use any other peroxide products while using Hydroquinone.

Some people may be susceptible to a serious allergic reaction to Hydroquinone.

Do not use if you have liver or kidney disease.

Do not use hydroquinone topical on skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated, or on an open wound. It could make these conditions worse.

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed, notify your doctor. Hydroquinone may be harmful to fetuses.