Hydroquinone

 

Hydroquinone is a drug to treat dark patches on the skin due to melanin buildup (hyperpigmentation). Some hyperpigmented conditions that can be treated with this medication are melasma, dark spots, and chloasma.Hydroquinone works by inhibiting melanin formation. That way, the skin that was previously darkened due to the buildup of melanin can be brighter and look in tune with the surrounding skin area. This drug is available in cream form and can only be used according to a doctor's prescription.

Precautions Before Using Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone should not be used carelessly. There are several things you need to pay attention to before using hydroquinone, namely:

-Do not use hydroquinone if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have, including a sulfate allergy.

-Do not use hydroquinone on skin that is prickly, injured, sunburnt, or irritates easily.

-Tell your doctor if you have or have had asthma, kidney disease, liver disease, or skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.

-Tell your doctor if you are using certain medications, supplements, or herbal products, especially if you are using antibiotics.

-Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.

-Use sunscreen and limit activities that expose you to direct sunlight when using hydroquinone, as this drug can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

-See a doctor immediately if there is an allergic drug reaction, serious side effects, or an overdose after using hydroquinone.

Dosage and Usage Rules for Hydroquinone

2–4% hydroquinone cream is used by adults by applying it evenly to hyperpigmented skin, once every 12 hours. This medicine is recommended for use in the morning and at night.

How to Use Hydroquinone Correctly

Use hydroquinone as directed by your doctor or on the packaging. To make sure you are not allergic to hyroquinone cream, apply a small amount of cream to your arm and wait 24 hours. If you are allergic to hydroquinone, the area will feel itchy, swollen, or blistered. Do not use this medicine if you experience an allergic reaction.

Avoid using the drug in the skin area around the eyes, as well as on the inside of the nose or mouth. Do not use the medicine on skin that is injured, dry, or irritated. If hydroquinone gets into the area, wash it immediately with running water until it is clean.

Before and after using hydroquinone, don't forget to wash your hands with soap and water. Also clean and dry the area of ​​the skin where you want the hydroquinone to be applied.

Take an adequate amount of hydroquinone cream and apply it gently on the hyperpigmented skin areas. Do not cover the area of ​​skin that has been smeared with hydroquinone with a bandage or make-up unless your doctor allows it.

Use hydroquinone at the same time every day for optimal results. If you forget to use the drug, do it immediately if the interval with the next scheduled use is not too close. When it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.

The part of the skin smeared with hydroquinone will become more sensitive to sunlight. Therefore, as much as possible avoid direct sun exposure and use sunscreen SPF 30 or more when outdoors.

Do a return consultation with the doctor if within 2 months there is no improvement in the skin area being treated.

Store hydroquinone in a dry room temperature. Keep the medicine out of direct sunlight, and keep the medicine out of reach of children.

Interaction of Hydroquinone with Drugs and Other Ingredients

The following are some of the interactions that can occur when hydroquinone is used together with other drugs and ingredients:

Stains the skin when used with benzoyl peroxide or hydrogen peroxide

Triggers skin irritation when used with soaps, shampoos, hair dyes, hair removers, waxes, and skin cleansers that contain added alcohol, astrigents, spices, or lime

Hydroquinone Side Effects and Dangers

The use of hydroquinone can cause different side effects for each user. The side effects that can occur are:

-Reddish colored skin

-Dry skin

-The skin feels like it's burning

-The skin feels like it has stung

Usually, the side effects that arise are only temporary. However, do check with a doctor if the above side effects do not subside or get worse.In addition, you need to see a doctor immediately if there are rare, serious side effects, such as skin blisters and cracks, or skin discoloration to blackish blue (ochronosis). These side effects usually occur due to long-term use of hydroquinone or more than 5 months.