Hydroquinone is a topical skin cream formulation that is sold under the brand names of Esoterica and Melquin. Hydroquinone cream sold over the counter contains 1.5 to 2 percent hydroquinone. Prescription strength may have up to 4 percent hydroquinone.
Purpose
The purpose of hydroquinone is to act as a skin lightening agent. According to Drugs.com, people use this product to lighten freckles and age spots. It may also be used to reduce temporary skin discolorations such as those caused by hormonal fluctuations due to birth control or hormone replacement therapy. In some areas of the world, such as South Africa, solutions are available containing a higher percentage of hydroquinone than in formulations sold in the U.S. and Europe, according to the "Journal of Drugs in Dermatology."
Usage
Before using hydroquinone, first do a patch test, applying a small amount of the product to a small patch of skin and waiting 24 hours for any sign of irritation, blistering or rash. Clean and dry the area to be lightened first, then spread hydroquinone on the area using your fingers. Wash your hands after applying the product to avoid accidental lightening of your hands. According to DermNet NZ, it may take four weeks or more to see visible results.
Contraindications
Do not use this product is you are allergic to hydroquinone or other ingredients contained in preparations of hydroquinone cream such as sodium metabisulphite, according to DermaNet NZ. Pregnant women should also avoid hydroquinone. Breast-feeding women should consult a doctor before using this skin cream and children under 12 should not use hydroquinone, according to Drugs.com.
Side Effects
The use of hydroquinone may produce mild side effects such as redness or skin irritation. Some people notice dry or cracked skin, especially if the product is used around the eyes or nose, notes Drugs.com. For minor side effects, stopping use of the cream should eliminate the undesirable symptoms, explains DermNet NZ. Severe side effects are rare, but when they occur, they can include blue-black darkening of the skin or an allergic reaction that causes difficulty breathing, extreme skin irritation, swelling or a rash, adds Drugs.com.
Safety
Because of reports that hydroquinone may cause cancer in rodents and may also lead to a skin-darkening condition called ochronosis in people, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommended in 2006 that further study on this compound by the National Toxicology Program, or NTP, be conducted. The nomination for further testing was approved in December 2009, according to the FDA.
