Hydroquinone bleaches dark spots in the skin. For dark skin discolorations (hyperpigmentation). These are dark irregular spots, especially on areas of the skin that get a lot of sun. Such as forehead, cheekbones, upper lip and chin.
You will notice that the dark spots are getting lighter within 4 to 5 weeks. Spread the product as precisely as possible on the dark spots, so not outside.
The cream can cause a burning sensation. This will go away on its own within a few hours.
You may experience irritated, dry skin. Sunlight makes this worse. Therefore keep the treated skin out of direct sunlight and do not use the tanning bed. This also makes the spots darker. Use a high factor sunscreen.
Table of Contents
What Does Hydroquinone Do to The Skin and What Do I Use It For?
- Hydroquinone discolors the skin.
- Doctors prescribe it for irregular dark spots ( hyperpigmentation ).
- What are possible side effects
- The main side effects are the following.
Rarely
Stinging or burning sensation immediately after application.
Irritated and dry skin , which can cause itching, redness, flakiness and chapping.
You are more likely to have irritated skin if bright sun hits the treated areas. Therefore, use sunscreen with a high protection factor. Consult your doctor if the irritation persists or if it bothers you too much.
Hypersensitivity to hydroquinone. You will notice this by an itchy rash or hives. Consult your doctor if you are affected.
Are You Hypersensitive? Then Inform the Pharmacist
Too strong bleaching or many small, lighter spots (confetti-like). This can be permanent. The spots can be clearly visible on dark skin. If you notice this, talk to your doctor.
After Long-Term Use or Using Way Too Much of The Cream:
- Blue-black spots. This side effect occurs mainly in people with dark skin.
- Brown or dark brown bumps.
- Therefore, do not use more of this ointment than prescribed by the doctor and do not use it for longer than 2 years.
How?
- First clean your skin with water and possibly soap. Dry well. On damp skin, the cream is too irritating.
- Spread the cream on the dark colored spots as precisely as possible. Do not get it on the lighter parts, as it can make them even lighter. Then wash the fingers with which you applied the ointment or use a plastic glove or finger condom.
- Do not get the cream into cuts or mucous membranes, such as in your eyes, nose or mouth. This can be painful or cause irritation. Is it happening anyway? Then rinse immediately with plenty of water.
Are you in bright sunlight? Sunlight can cause irritation on the treated areas. Sunlight also enhances the dark color in the spots. Do not use the tanning bed.
Apply after you wash
If you use this medicine twice a day, divide the treatments as well as possible over the day. For example, in the morning after washing and in the evening before going to sleep.
Dosage
Avoid exposure to (bright) sunlight as much as possible and use a sunscreen with a high protection factor (> 30). According to the Netherlands Institute for Pigment Disorders (SNIP), do not treat melasma in the summer; see also the Advice.
How Long?
It may take 4 to 5 weeks for you to start to see improvement. Do you not see any improvement after 5 weeks? Consult with your doctor. The doctor may need to adjust the dose.
Do you still see no improvement after six months? Then further treatment with this drug is pointless.
If the complaints have disappeared, you can use the cream for some time to prevent new pigmentation spots. However, do not use it for more than 2 years.
Concomitant use of tretinoin enhances the bleaching and irritating effect of hydroquinone.
Concomitant use of keratolytic, highly drying (agents with a high alcohol content), abrasive, cleansing, astringent or irritant agents may have an additive irritant effect.
