Indications
Hydroquinone cream is used to lighten areas of skin that have become darker than the surrounding skin, such as melasma (brown patches on the face, often linked to pregnancy, hormones or sun), freckles, age spots and dark marks left after acne or injury. It is often combined with Tretinoin and a mild steroid in one cream. It is not meant for lightening normal skin.
How It Works
It slows down the enzyme (tyrosinase) that skin cells use to make melanin, the brown pigment, so dark patches fade gradually over several weeks.
Dosage and Administration
Adults and children over 12 years: apply a thin layer only to the dark patches, usually once or twice a day (combination creams are usually used once at night), or as prescribed. Try a small amount on a patch of skin first and wait 24 hours. Wash hands after use. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or more) every day, as sunlight quickly undoes the effect. If there is no improvement after 2 to 3 months, stop and see a doctor. Do not use it continuously for long periods without medical advice.
Interactions
Do not use at the same time as Benzoyl Peroxide, hydrogen peroxide or other peroxide products, as they can stain the skin temporarily. Using other drying or peeling products (such as Resorcinol, salicylic acid or alcohol-based products) on the same area increases irritation.
Contraindications
- Allergy to hydroquinone or any ingredient.
- Broken, sunburnt, irritated or infected skin.
- Children under 12 years.
Side Effects
Mild burning, stinging, redness, dryness or itching where applied. Stop using it and see a doctor promptly if you get blisters, severe redness or swelling, cracking of the skin, or if the treated skin becomes darker or turns blue-black (a long-term effect called ochronosis). Get urgent medical help for swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Avoid during pregnancy unless the doctor advises it; creams that also contain Tretinoin must not be used in pregnancy. Ask the doctor before using it while breastfeeding, and do not apply it to the breast area.
Precautions and Warnings
For external use only. Keep away from the eyes, inside the nose and mouth, and the lips. Use it only on small areas. Long-term or unsupervised use, especially of strong creams, can cause permanent dark discolouration of the skin. Creams containing a steroid should not be used for long periods as they can thin the skin. Do not use the cream if it has turned dark brown.
Overdose
Using too much on the skin increases irritation; wash it off. If swallowed, it can cause nausea, vomiting, shaking and breathing difficulty; seek medical help straight away.
Therapeutic Class
Depigmenting (skin-lightening) agent, topical.
Storage
Store below 30°C with the cap tightly closed, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.