Hydroquinone
About
Hydroquinone belongs to a combination of 'skin cosmetics' primarily used for brighter, more radiant skin complexation. Besides this, it is also used to clears the complexion and acne scars, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and photoaging (premature ageing of the skin 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 works by decreasing the amount of melanin (a skin pigment) that is responsible for the darkening of the skin. Hydroquinone is primarily used to treat melasma (dark brown patch on skin), hyperpigmentation.
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, 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’an skin-lighting agent used to treat skin problems like acne scars, melasma, hyperpigmentation, and photoaging. It 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) that is responsible for the darkening of the skin.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Hydroquinone
- Dry skin
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Burning sensation
- Mild itching
- Skin irritation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
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 for a long 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 Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug- Food Interaction: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interaction: 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
not applicableHydroquinone usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
cautionHydroquinone is safe in liver patients. If you have any concerns regarding the use of 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 diets such as potatoes, beans and rice as glucose in carbohydrates is essential for healing.
- Eat foods rich in quercetin (a flavonoid) such as apples, cherry, broccoli, spinach and blueberries.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid drinking sugary beverages.
- Always wear full clothes or use sun protection before going under the sun, it will protect your skin from sun damage.
- Do not use harsh products on your skin as it damages your skin.
- 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 due to 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 usage of contraceptive pills
Dark spots: It occurs 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 contains Hydroquinone is a whitening agent that reduces melanin (a chemical that determined the skin and hair colour) production thereby lightens 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 any other products with Hydroquinone.
Hydroquinone is a natural skin lightening product that reduces melanin production and improves skin tone, texture, 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 wear protective clothing while using Hydroquinone. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.
You are not recommended to use Hydroquinone with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide or any other peroxide products as it may cause staining of the skin which can be usually removed with soap and water. However, please consult a physician before using other medicines with Hydroquinone.
