There is no recommended dosage for pediatric patients under 12 years of age except under . It can come as a cream, emulsion, gel, or lotion. Fluocinolone, Hydroquinone, And Tretinoin (Topical - Mayo Clinic Some people may want to lighten their skin for cosmetic reasons. Is a Skin-Lightening Cream Safe for All Skin Types? Table 1: A review of some clinical trials for hydroquinone products. Avoid getting this product in your eyes or on the inside of your nose or mouth. show all 40 brands Hydroquinone: Uses, Side Effects, Risks, and More - Verywell Health Symptoms of an allergic reaction includes itchy, red rash (hives), shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should freckles. Also known as liver spots, age spots are brown and black spots on the skin that are often exposed to the sun. Exposure further damages the skin and can prompt hyperpigmentation to return. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you have questions about how to best protect your skin, ask your dermatologist or healthcare provider for guidance. For instance, pregnant people may see them fade after delivery. The product is designed for skin lightening and whitening on intimate areas, face, and body for women. Before using, apply a small amount of this medicine to an area of unbroken skin, and check the area within 24 hours for any serious side effects. 2012;57(5):394-395. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.100498, Sanadi RM, Deshmukh RS. Approved datasheets are the official source of information for medicines, including approved uses, doses, and safety information. Hydroquinone is generally safe. Hydroquinone topical may make your skin more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind. Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages, Home Common and Rare Side Effects for Hydroquinone Cream - WebMD Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma, other skin conditions (such as eczema, psoriasis). To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. They typically arise as a natural result of aging or due to cellular damage caused by sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) rays. Hydroquinone is a topical agent for treating discoloration on the skin due to age spots and acne scars, as well as dermatological conditions like melasma and eczema. Comparative studies. If you must go outside, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, even on cloudy days. age spots. Repeat this process as often as the product label advises. HYDROQUINONE (hahy droh kwi NOHN) is applied to the the skin to lighten areas that have darkened. Trends in use of prescription skin lightening creams. Version: 3.01. triamcinolone, Temovate, Clobex, Olux, Cormax, Embeline. melasma. Before using, apply a small amount of this medicine to an area of unbroken skin, and check the area within 24 hours for any serious side effects. Do not double the dose to catch up. Available as a cream or gel, its available both over the counter or with a prescription. Hydroquinone is most commonly used in bleaching creams by patients aged 13 years and over with a dark skin type. Contrary to the concerns raised by the FDA, hydroquinone has consistently proved safe, especially under physician supervision. Hydroquinone: Generic, Uses, Side Effects, Dosages - RxList Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker, Understanding Your Child's Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriatic Disease Treatments: How to Save Money, FDA Labeling for hydroquinone cream on RxList. Learn, Dark spots on the skin are usually the result of hyperpigmentation. They recommended that people look for a product containing one of the following ingredients: Injectable skin lightening products are available, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not recommend them. A short drug holiday and/or application of a topical steroid will usually settle the reaction. Products containing hydroquinone are available with a prescription. But typically, you shouldn't use hydroquinone topical for more than 2 months if you don't notice any improvements on your dark spots. Mometasone is a steroid which blocks the production of . Int J Environ Res Public Health. If you're concerned about your risk of cancer while using this medication, talk to your healthcare provider. Unrelated to any other disease, age spots are painless. Lastly, wash the hands thoroughly. Chandra M, Levitt J, Pensabene CA. Lightly rub onto your skin. USES: Hydroquinone is used to lighten the dark patches of skin (also called hyperpigmentation, melasma, "liver spots," "age spots," freckles) caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medicine, or injury to the skin.This medicine works by blocking the process in the skin that leads to discoloration. Do not use it later for another skin problem unless told to do so by your doctor. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. Hydroquinone topical used to be available over the counter (OTC). These may range from blackheads, red spots (known as pimples), and whiteheads, in which the affected pore has filled with pus. 2016;21(1):1-7. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression i. contact dermatitis, a type of skin rash that occurs from contact with an offending substance. Minor redness is not a contraindication, but where there is itching or vesicle formation or excessive inflammatory response further therapy is not advised. Glowhite Natural Skin Lightening Cream. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing on the treated areas of skin when outdoors. It is available as a cream, gel, lotion, or emulsion. Because long-term use can increase the risk of side effects, dermatologists recommend the daily application for three to six months, followed by rest periods of less frequent maintenance use. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Fluocinolone, Hydroquinone, And Tretinoin (Topical Application Route). A person can apply these products directly to the skin. Hydroquinone must be distinguished from monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone which can cause irreversible pigment loss. Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Plants also produce antioxidants and acids that can help with hyperpigmentation. The 10 Best Hydroquinone Creams to Buy in 2023 - Beauty Mag Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse after 2 months. Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. These products are generally safe, but long-term use can cause issues, such as ochronosis. Sofen B, Prado G, Emer J. Melasma and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation: management update and expert opinion. Apply to affected areas 2 times a day in the morning and at bedtime or as directed; if no improvement is seen after 2 months of therapy, discontinue use As with all medications, however, some people may experience side effects. An overdose of hydroquinone topical is not expected to be dangerous. Ochronosis causes a blue-black pigmentation and caviar-like spots to develop on the skin. Hydroquinone dosing, indications, interactions, adverse effects, and more Apply this medication to the affected areas of skin, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. It is due to an overproduction of melanin. Skin protection Summary Hydroquinone is a chemical that a person can use to lighten their skin tone. If you're using this medication for the first time, test your skin by applying a small amount of medication to an area of your skin that's not damaged or broken. a hypersensitivity reaction to a drug. Management of the underlying cause of the hyperpigmentation is also recommended. Comparison of Azelaic Acid 20 % Cream Versus Hydroquinone 4% Cream as Hydroquinone topical can cause some serious health issues. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. If you're exposed to sunlight or UV light while using hydroquinone topical, dark spots or patches can reappear on your skin. What is psoriasis? When incorporated into your complexion regimen properly, hydroquinone decreases the. Hydroquinone topical can cause blue-black discoloration or darkening of your skin. Who can benefit from using hydroquinine cream? Do not use hydroquinone topical on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. People may use hydroquinone as a form of treatment for hyperpigmentation skin conditions, wherein some areas of skin grow darker than surrounding areas. This effect is reversible. This product is available in the following dosage forms: Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2023. If you have any of the following conditions post-inflammatory marks from psoriasis and eczema. DESCRIPTION Each gram of HYDROQUINONE 4% CREAMcontains 40 mg hydroquinone, in a cream base of Alcohol, Capryloyl Glycine, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Kojic Acid, Laureth-7, Lecithin, Polyacrylamide, Purified Water, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Squalane and Xanthan Gum. If you do get this medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water. There aren't any studies that looked at the safety of using hydroquinone topical during pregnancy, so it's unknown if the medication can cause harm to your unborn baby. The formation of brown, tan, bluish, or gray patches or freckles on the face is the hallmark of melasma, also known as chloasma or pregnancy mask. The discoloration typically affects areas of the face that get regular sun exposure. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If the test area is itching, red, puffy, or blistering, do not use this product and contact your doctor. Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): Available as a lower-cost generic medication, Available in multiple dosage strengths and forms, Available as a combination product with sunscreen to protect your skin, Not safe to use in children 12 years or younger, Can cause skin dryness, redness, and stinging, Can cause blue-black skin discoloration, especially in black people, Must use sunscreen because exposure to sunlight can reverse effects of the medication. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. Is hydroquinone topical available over the counter? If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Ask your provider how long you should use hydroquinone topical. Its an ingredient in a number of combined formulas for skin lightening. Hydroquinone works by suppressing the production of melanin, the brown or black substance that regulates skin pigmentation. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Hydroquinone USP W/ Sunscreen Topical: Uses, Side Effects - WebMD There are several approaches to getting rid of dark spots or blemishes on your face. Examples of this type of medication include tretinoin (Retin-A), doxycycline (Vibramycin), and methotrexate. Hydroquinone treatment lightens the skin gradually and has a reversible effect. Most complications arise with unsupervised, over-the-counter use. Do not double the dose to catch up. Written by Cerner Multum. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. September 2021. The length of time you use this medication might differ based on the product you use, the manufacturer, or your condition. The exact causes of this noncontagious skin disorder are unknown, though evidence suggests its likely caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. 1. Does Hydroquinone Cream interact with other drugs you are taking? Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. 2010;21(5):2725. The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Best Overall Hydroquinone Cream Admire My Skin (30mL/1oz) View on Amazon Why we like it: This is the best all-around option that will work on any skin type, with results promised within a four-week period. Hydroquinone topical Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Before using, apply a small amount of this medicine to an area of unbroken skin, and check the area within 24 hours for any serious side effects. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Concerns have been raised about the safety of hydroquinone in Europe, Japan, and the USA due to: Other reported cutaneous adverse effects of hydroquinone include: The safety of topical hydroquinone has not been established in pregnancy and lactation. Do not share this medication with others. Truven Health does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Truven Health products. 2020;24(2):374-382. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_207_20. Do not take by mouth. According to the AOCD, people should start to notice that they have lighter skin within about 4 weeks of using the product. For your safety, always tell your pharmacist and provider about all of your allergies. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. All rights reserved. It has two hydroxyl groups bonded to a benzene ring in a para position. Do not use any other topical medication, particularly benzoyl peroxide. When a person applies hydroquinone to the skin, it reduces the number of melanocytes. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. If needed, please discuss other treatment options with your dermatologist or healthcare provider. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions. Risk factors: Sulfite allergy or sensitivity | Hydroquinone topical allergy | Asthma. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Hydroquinone is a chemical that a person can use to lighten their skin tone. Learn more at GoodRx. Long-term use can even make the skin thin and fragile. Fluocinolone/Tretinoin/Hydroquinone Cream: Uses, Side Effects - MedicineNet During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. In New Zealand and many other countries, hydroquinone is only available on prescription, and may need to be compounded by the pharmacist. Check for signs of irritation, such as itching or redness. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Stephens TJ, Babcock M, Bucay V, Gotz V. Split-face evaluation of a multi-ingredient Brightening foam versus a reference control in women with photodamaged facial skin. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication. Melasma, a condition in which brown patches appear on the face, is a common problem affecting women of color. If there has been no benefit after 3 months of treatment, then the hydroquinone should be stopped. Hydroquinone can cause mild irritant contact dermatitis when used in concentrations above 4%. Dermatologists Share the Right Way to Use Hydroquinone for Best Results Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex. Most commonly seen in younger women with brown or light brown skin, though anyone can develop it, melasma most often results from: In some cases, melasma patches and spots go away on their own. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. A wide range of dermatological conditions cause darker spots, patches, and blemishes on the skin, which is clinically referred to as hyperpigmentation. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. Some products also contain sunscreens. When initiating hydroquinone treatment, it is advisable to: Hydroquinone is particularly effective for the treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation which is unlikely to recur provided the underlying inflammatory dermatosis is also controlled. . If there is no irritation or redness within 24 hours, the cream can be used more widely on the affected areas. Using hydroquinone topical together with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or other peroxide products may stain your skin. Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime. This includes: acne scars. Group A was managed with 4% hydroquinone cream as an adjuvant to oral tranexamic acid (250 mg twice daily) while group B was managed with topical 20% azelaic acid (daily at night) for six months. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Despite some concerns about its toxicity in animals, this treatment has proved safe and well tolerated. Rolling, characterized by small indentations in the skin caused by bands of scar tissue. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions.Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor's recommendation. Hydroquinone is only available as a prescription, but there are some skin-lightening products available over the counter. Hydroquinone is a bleaching cream that is used to lighten the skin tone and brown spots. Hydroquinone Prescription Creams - Hydroquinone 6%, 8%, and 10% Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine, unless you are using it to treat the skin on your hands. This leads to the desired lightening effect of treated areas. Melasma treatment: an evidence-based review. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. 2021;18(11):5650. doi:10.3390/ijerph18115650. You should not use hydroquinone topical if you are allergic to hydroquinone or peroxide. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Hydroquinone may cause numbness in these areas. If there is no reaction, it is usually safe to start treatment. Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker, Understanding Your Child's Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriatic Disease Treatments: How to Save Money, FDA Labeling for hydroquinone with sunscreen topical on RxList. These products are provided 'AS IS' and 'as available' for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin by speeding up the lifecycle of skin cells. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. mild itching, redness, or other irritation. CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. Mild burning, stinging, redness, and dryness may occur. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Fluocinolone, Hydroquinone, And Tretinoin (Topical Application Route You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. Topical creams with this antioxidant are considered a viable alternative to hydroquinone for skin lightening. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Hydroquinone lightens epidermal, but not dermal, pigmentation by reducing the production of new melanin: Hydroquinone is applied topically just to the hyperpigmented skin only, twice daily for 3 months, after which time many patients maintain their improvement by using it twice each week. Check the individual datasheet in your country for information about medicines. Because too much hydroquinone can cause side effects, dermatologists typically prescribe daily treatments for three to six months, followed by periods in which less frequent dosing is needed. As a result of the the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), over-the-counter hydroquinone topical is no longer available. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation and Acne, Evaluating the Safety of Skin Bleaching Products and Procedures, Skin Discoloration: Causes and Treatments, What to Know Before Getting Melasma Laser Treatment, How to Identify & Treat a Melasma Mustache, Hyperpigmentation Around the Mouth: Everything to Know, Hyperpigmentation on the Buttocks: What It Is and How to Get Rid of It, Split-face evaluation of a multi-ingredient Brightening foam versus a reference control in women with photodamaged facial skin, Melasma and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation: management update and expert opinion, Effective treatments of atrophic acne scars, Exogenous ochronosis after prolonged use of topical hydroquinone (2%) in a 50-year-old Indian female, The effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation A systematic review, Ice-pick, in which there are small pinpoints in the skin. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 14 May 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 28 May 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. It also looks at alternatives and tips for protecting the skin from damage. Avoid getting this medicine on your lips or inside your nose or mouth. Apply to affected areas 2 times a day in the morning and at bedtime or as directed; if no improvement is seen after 2 months of therapy, discontinue use Do not apply two doses at one time. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Injectable skin lightening and skin bleaching products may be unsafe. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time. This drug is a skin bleaching agent which may produce unwanted cosmetic effects if not used as directed. Applied over time, hydroquinone has a twofold effect. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Hydroquinone topical will not be safe for you to take. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you. Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. Can hydroquinone topical cause skin cancer? Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Store at 20C to 25C (68F to 77F); excursions permitted to 15C to 30C (59F to 86F). I would also like to sign up for a free GoodRx account. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Commercial formulations of hydroquinone contain the preservative metabisulphite, which can cause an allergic reaction. Avoid using the medication in or around your eyes, nose, mouth, and lips as this can cause irritation in those eyes. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. How to use Retin-A and Hydroquinone for a beautiful skin How to use Hydroquinone With Sunscreen Cream . "It's a very effective ingredient for treating dark spots, and it is currently approved for professional use up to 4%," says Candrice Heath, MD. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University. Prolonged use may also cause the discoloration to worsen if you have darker skin. Hydroquinone is used to lighten the dark patches of skin (also called hyperpigmentation, melasma, "liver spots," "age spots," freckles) caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medicine, or injury to the skin.This medicine works by blocking the process in the skin that leads to discoloration. Hydroquinone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. "Hydroquinone creams work at the cellular level to reduce the production of pigment," Shafer explains, so you need to allow the skin to shed old cells and produce new ones. It does this by interfering with the production of melanin, the black or brown substance responsible for the pigmentation of the skin, eyes, and hair. Store at room temperature away from heat and light. Stock image. This medication may make the treated areas of skin more sensitive to the sun. All rights reserved. Find out whats causing your hyperpigmentation and the ways to treat it in this guide from GoodRx. This medication is for use on the skin only. Hydroquinone is most commonly used in bleaching creams by patients aged 13 years and over with a dark skin type. With long-term use, especially if its unsupervised, there is a risk of side effects, such as itching, redness, or inflammation. A different medication may be necessary in that case. This medication is for use on the skin only. Though there have been concerns about safety, used properly, its been found to be well-tolerated and effective. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. Melanin is a pigment that gives the skin and hair their color. What Strengths of Hydroquinone are Available? If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. If there are no changes after 3 months, a person can speak to a doctor or skin specialist. Use your medicine at regular intervals. Hydroquinone - Wikipedia doi:10.1007/s40257-019-00488-w. Saade DS, Maymone MBC, De La Garza H, Secemsky EA, Kennedy KF, Vashi NA. Drug class: Topical depigmenting agents.