Hydroquinone
About Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone treats melasma (dark brown patch on skin) and hyperpigmentation. It helps clear the complexion, acne scars, and photoaging (premature skin ageing caused by repeated exposure to UV radiation). Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition in which patches of skin become darker in colour than the normal surrounding skin. Melasma is a common skin problem that causes dark, discoloured patches on your skin. Dark spots occur when some skin areas start producing more melanin (a natural pigment that gives colour to eyes, hair and skin), ranging from light to dark brown.
Hydroquinone contains Hydroquinone (skin lightening or bleaching agent), which decreases the amount of melanin (a skin pigment) responsible for darkening the skin.
Hydroquinone is for external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth, and nose. If the medicine comes in contact with any of these areas, rinse with water immediately. Do not use Hydroquinone on sunburned, windburned, dry, or irritated skin. Common side effects of Hydroquinone include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, mild itching, and skin irritation. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your physician.
Avoid using Hydroquinone if allergic to it. Hydroquinone can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight; hence, always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors. Care should be taken while applying Hydroquinone on sensitive areas, such as the neck. Please limit the use of products that contain large amounts of alcohol (astringents, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions), hair removal products, and products containing lime or spices while using Hydroquinone. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or a breastfeeding mother. Hydroquinone is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
Uses of Hydroquinone
Medicinal Benefits
Hydroquinone contains Hydroquinone, a skin-lighting agent used to treat skin problems like acne scars, melasma, hyperpigmentation, and photoaging. It is also used to treat freckles (small brown spots on the skin), age spots and chloasma (darkened skin caused by hormonal changes). It works by decreasing the amount of melanin (a skin pigment) responsible for the skin's darkening.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Hydroquinone
- Dry skin
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Burning sensation
- Mild itching
- Skin irritation
Drug Warnings
Do not apply Hydroquinone on open wounds or sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. If you are allergic to Hydroquinone or any other medicines, please tell your physician. Hydroquinone is for external use only. Avoid contact of Hydroquinone with nose, ears, mouth, or eyes. In case Hydroquinone comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, please inform your physician before using Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Hydroquinone can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight; hence, always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Do not apply Hydroquinone in large amounts or use it for a longer time than recommended, as it does not give quick or better results but increases the risk of side effects. If you have asthma, rosacea (redness and often red, small, pus-filled bumps on the face), acne, skin thinning, perioral dermatitis (redness and swelling of the skin around the mouth), ulcerated skin, shingles (a viral infection causing painful rash), eczema (itchy, swelling of the skin) or any other skin condition, inform your doctor before using Hydroquinone.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug- Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: If you have kidney or liver problems, eczema and asthma, inform your physician before using Hydroquinone.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Hydroquinone with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a physician before consuming alcohol while using Hydroquinone.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorHydroquinone is safe to use in pregnant women. However, please consult a physician if you are pregnant before using Hydroquinone.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorHydroquinone is safe to use in breastfeeding women. However, please consult a physician if you are breastfeeding before using Hydroquinone.
Driving
safeHydroquinone usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionHydroquinone is safe in liver patients. If you have any concerns about using Hydroquinone in patients with liver problems, please consult a physician.
Kidney
cautionHydroquinone is safe in kidney patients. If you have any concerns regarding the use of Hydroquinone in patients with kidney problems, please consult a physician.
Children
cautionHydroquinone is should be used with caution in children if recommended by a physician. However, Hydroquinone is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include protein-rich foods such as yoghurt, chicken and eggs in your diet, as there is a loss of protein through burn wounds and the breakdown of muscles to produce extra energy for the healing process. The additional protein is required to rebuild lost muscle.
- Add more carbohydrates to your diet, such as potatoes, beans, and rice, as glucose in carbohydrates is essential for healing.
- Eat foods rich in quercetin (a flavonoid), such as apples, cherries, broccoli, spinach, and blueberries.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and avoid drinking sugary beverages.
- Always wear full clothes or wear sun protection before going under the sun; it will protect your skin from sun damage.
- Please do not use harsh products on your skin as they damage it.
- Keep your skin moisturized to avoid dry skin.
Special Advise
- Consult your dermatologist if you do not notice any improvement after 2-3 months of treatment with Hydroquinone.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition in which patches of skin become darker in colour than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening of skin occurs when an excess of melanin (hormone), the brown pigment that produces normal skin colour, forms deposits in the skin.
Melasma: It is also known as chloasma, a common skin condition that causes brown patches on the face. The discoloured (grey-brown) patches occur mostly on the forehead, chin, nose and cheeks. Melasma may be caused by sun exposure, hormone therapy, pregnancy, birth control pills, thyroid or even stress. It is more common in women than in men. It may occur in pregnant women, due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and is called a ‘mask of pregnancy’ and fades away after pregnancy on its own or after stopping the usage of contraceptive pills
Dark spots occur when some skin areas start producing more melanin(a natural pigment that gives colour to eyes, hair, and skin), which can range from light to dark brown.
FAQs
Hydroquinone is used to treat melasma, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and photoaging (premature skin ageing caused by repeated exposure to UV radiation).
Hydroquinone contains Hydroquinone, a whitening agent that reduces melanin (a chemical that determines the colour of the skin and hair) production, thereby lightening the complexion of the skin.
You are advised to use moisturizer in the morning every day to restore the fat barrier of the skin that protects the skin from damage. Hydroquinone may make the skin more sensitive to extreme weather conditions such as cold and wind. Therefore, wear protective clothing and use moisturizer as required. However, please consult a physician before using moisturizing lotions or other products with Hydroquinone.
Hydroquinone is a natural skin-lightening product that reduces melanin production, improves skin tone, texture, and sensitivity, and reduces skin's uneven colour. Using it for some days lightens the appearance of scars.
No, it is not advised to stop using Hydroquinone even after your symptoms are relieved. You should complete the full course of treatment. You might see improvement in your symptoms, but the disease might not be cured completely.
Hydroquinone can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of sunlight. Hence, it is advised to use sunscreen and protective clothing while using Hydroquinone. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.
It is not recommended to use Hydroquinone with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or any other peroxide products, as it may cause skin staining, which can usually be removed with soap and water. However, please consult a physician before using other medicines with a Hydroquinone.
Hydroquinone is generally considered safe for facial use, being specifically formulated to address melasma, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots. For optimal safety, consulting a dermatologist, following instructions, and conducting a patch test are recommended prior to facial application.
No, Hydroquinone does not permanently lighten the skin. It is designed to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and melasma, resulting in a more even skin tone. However, once you stop using the cream, your skin may gradually return to its original tone.
When using Hydroquinone, avoid prolonged sun exposure, harsh skin products, exfoliating or scrubbing the treated area, sharing the cream, and applying it to broken or irritated skin. If you're allergic to any ingredients or have sensitive skin, consult a dermatologist before use.
Hydroquinone should be applied as directed by your dermatologist or according to the product's instructions. Typically, a thin layer of the cream is applied gently to the affected area, once or twice a day. The application frequency and duration may vary depending on the specific skin concern being treated, such as melasma, hyperpigmentation, or dark spots.
Hydroquinone is generally considered safe for most skin types when used as directed. However, as with any skincare product, some individuals may experience adverse reactions or side effects. It's essential to follow the recommended usage instructions and consult a dermatologist if you have sensitive skin or concerns.
Common side effects of Hydroquinone include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, mild itching, and skin irritation. However, not everyone who uses Hydroquinone will experience these side effects. Most of these side effects are temporary and resolve on their own, but if they persist or worsen, consult your physician for guidance.
