3. Ochronosis is a syndrome caused by the accumulation of homogentisic acid in connective tissues. Score: 4.1/5 (27 votes)Hydroquinone, a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be utilized safely twice each day for as much as 6 months to deal with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. BTW - thanks for sharing. Hydroquinone's reputation precedes it. Hydroquinone. Prolonged daily use of hydroquinone skin bleaching creams can lead to skin irritation and UV hypersensitivity. Ochronosis . Skin irritation. Although uncommon, particularly with OTC . "Used in combination with other acne products such as Retin-A, it can help dramatically improve skin complexion." Shamban adds to this . This will stop the hydroquinone from lightening the skin on the fingers. Genetics of Alkaptonuria* If there are any signs that the condition is developing treatment with hydroquinone must be discontinued. Melanocytes make melanin, which is what produces your skin tone. The result is a blue/black hyperpigmented skin condition. Exogenous ochronosis is challenging to treat with few available options. Stinging. Ochronosis is a bluish-black discoloration of the skin and cartilage. I miss me my face hasn't been the same for 5 yrs The damage of hydroquinone Thank you in advance Answer Question. The hydroquinone cream is only made for the topical application or external use. The Ochronosis concern; It seems that hydroquinone causes a medical condition named "ochronosis", which makes the skin present a dark blue and even black hue. How do you treat skin ochronosis? This is not very common in the United . Allergic contact dermatitis. Did you use products containing hydroquinone consistently for a period longer than 3 months? All of the research that I have found says that it's very difficult to treat, but that laser surgery has shown some significant improvements in treating it. These could include ultraviolet (UV) light exposure from the sun or tanning beds , hormonal changes (from pregnancy or the use of birth control pills with estrogen, for example), genetics/family history, certain . Use oral antioxidants. It has also been reported to occur secondary to systemic . If that is the case then you might be right that your skin damage is as a result of Hydroquinone. The blue skin is caused by insufficient oxygen in your blood (cyanosis). The efficacy of this remedy will be enhanced by utilizing a retinoid nightly and a mid-potent steroid, which is utilized twice each day for two weeks, then at weekends solely. Ochronosis is another skin condition that creates an uneven skin tone. If you use hydroquinone treatments above 4% for a long period of time you may be at risk of developing exogenous ochronosisa condition whereby the skin darkens and becomes permanently discolored. . Ochronotic arthropathy is treated with physiotherapy, analgesia, rest, and prosthetic joint replacement when necessary. Once the skin gets acclimated to this ingredient, irritation will usually subside. The effects of hydroquinone are reversed with its discontinuation and sun exposure. Exogenous ochronosis is an avoidable dermatosis that is difficult to treat. Eventually, the use of hydroquinone can result in a condition called ochronosis. Dermatologists can prescribe a 4% concentration but don't assume that more is better. These symptoms subside over time with continued use. For those with hydroquinone problems resulting from . It can be used to treat more everyday skin concerns like age spots, dark spots from sun exposure, acne scarring, or scarring caused by eczema or psoriasis. Avoiding such side effects requires a shift in our approach to hydroquinone. The best way to prevent Ochronosis is by limiting the use of skin whitening products which contain hydroquinone and go towards more natural products. There are exogenous and endogenous forms of the disease with the endogenous form typically caused by alkaptonuria, or a defect in homogentisic acid oxidase enzyme. Under no circumstances you should swallow, inhale or put it into your eyes. Hydroquinone can be an effective product for reducing the appearance of areas of discolored skin if used under . "There's also a phenomenon called ochronosis, or increased pigmentation/darkening of the skin that is caused by hydroquinone in high concentrations and with long-term use," she explains. Admire my Skin's Hydroquinone-Based Serum. Avoid exfoliating the area. Hydroquinone toxicity can cause ringing in your ears, bluish skin, seizures, nausea, and other health problems. Inflammation Xeroderma Stinging Rarely ochronosis - ochronosis is a blue-black or gray-blue discoloration; it is rare and more commonly seen in patients that use a high concentration of hydroquinone for a long period on large areas of the body. Protect your face from direct exposure to the sun. The most common cause of exogenous ochronosis is application of topical hydroquinone as part of the formulation in a variety of skin bleaching creams. Hydroquinone impacts this phenomenon (known as melanogenesis) in a couple of ways: So, technically speaking, hydroquinone isn't a bleach. It's helped with my hyperpigmentation and evening my skin tone but I still have a ways to go with some spots. Melasma is caused by increased melanin in the skin related to a variety of different factors that can lead to skin darkening. The treatment options are few but below are home remedies for ochronosis; Moisturize the affected area regularly with shea butter, coconut oil or good moisturizing lotions. Ochronosis may also be caused by external agents. A major key to hydroquinone is short-term use. Treating hyperpigmentation from the inside naturally requires stress reduction, adequate sleep and a well balanced diet because the stress hormone cortisol makes skin pigmentation worse. I used dermatologist prescribed 6% hydroquinone faithfully every night for approx 10 weeks & saw no improvement. Concern #2: Hydroquinone is thought to cause a medical condition called ochronosis, which encourages the appearance of dark blue and black skin pigment. Certain treatments can cause skin irritation. Hydroquinone is often used to treat a number of skin discoloration disorders. Hydroquinone usage. Treating ochronosis is not easy and treatment should mainly be preventive: it is essential to use low concentrations of hydroquinone combined with photoprotective measures and treatment should be discontinued if no improvement is observed after 6 months. The product they bought to lighten sunspots, melasma, or other hyperpigmentation paradoxically leaves them with tough-to-treat issues such as severe rebound hyperpigmentation and ochronosis. Ochronosis. 2. It is generally caused by a rare genetic disease called alkaptonuria. Dangers And Side Effects. hydroquinone (hq) is the most commonly used tyrosinase inhibitor and is often the primary treatment option for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma.69 the use of hq results in the reversible inhibition of cellular metabolism by affecting both dna and rna production and reduces tyrosinase activity by 90%. When using hydroquinone, sunscreen should be applied daily as hydroquinone can make the skin more sensitive to UV. It must not be used as an all-over skin lightening treatment and such procedures should be avoided. #4 - Prolonged use of Hydroquinone may cause Skin Darkening. This sums it up all: keep the hydroquinone cream away from children's reach at all time. Another way to prevent Ochronosis is by limiting the areas of the body that can be exposed to direct sunlight. Exogenous Ochronosis is generally caused from a prolonged use of certain kinds of skin lightening lotions and creams, even though the proportion of hydroquinone present is as low as 2%. Which fade out cream is best for dark spots? Ochronosis refers to the yellow-brown or ocher pigment (homogentisic acid) deposited in collagen-containing tissues in alkaptonuria. You can slather it on twice daily for at least six weeks (and no more than six months). [1] It's toxic to various organ systems. Hydroquinone has also been connected to a condition called Ochronosis. You may need a maintenance program. #2 - Hydroquinone SHOULD always be Used with Sunscreen. 1 These deposits of pigment can occur in the sclera, cartilage of the nose and ears, tendons, and skin. Often used to treat harsh forms of acne, warts, and much more, this compound is essential to avoid using with hydroquinone because of its increased chances of ochronosis. There is so much evidence that Vitamin A (Tretinoin, Retina A) 0.025%, 0.05% 0.1% cream can improve some of the signs of sun damaged skin. The effect of skin lightening caused by hydroquinone is reversible when exposed to sunlight and therefore requires regular use until desired results are achieved. Hydroquinone is not meant to be used for a long period of time since, it is meant to treat skin irritation like malasma, freckles etc. These complications include ochronosis, nail discoloration, conjunctival melanosis, and corneal degeneration. Dermatologists should be able to differentiate it from melasma and immediately discontinue hydroquinone. Some less severe (but more common) side effects of hydroquinone treatment may also include: Increased sun sensitivity. Hydroquinone (HQ) is the gold standard treatment for treating various forms of hyperpigmentation such as hormone-related melasma, post-inflammatory pigmentation and sun damage. Hydroquinone has long known to be a skin lightening agent, but its use does not come without risks. The condition was named after the yellowish (ocher-like) discoloration of the tissue seen on microscopic examination. Hydroquinone can cause allergic reaction and irritation to skin. Ochronosis. When using non-medicated cosmetics, sunscreens, and moisturising lotions, apply hydroquinone first, then wait several minutes before applying other products. In exogenous ochronosis, hyperpigmentation is caused by external triggers; the condition . Hydroquinone is found in skin-lightening creams, serums, cleansers, and moisturizers. Ochronosis is more common among . 70 although effective alone, hq Ochronosis (alkaptonuria) is an autosomal recessive defect in homogentisic acid oxidase resulting in the accumulation of homogentisic acid in tissues, and pigmentation of cartilage (e.g., ears, sclerae, heart valves), calcification and ossification of the intervertebral disks, accelerated osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, and vascular disease. It is used to treat skin irritation but now its been abused for skin lightening. Skin bleaching refers to the use of products to lighten dark areas of the skin or achieve an overall lighter complexion. It can also prepare skin for rarer issues, like nevi of Ota and Huri, which require laser treatment. Exogenous ochronosis caused by topical hydroquinone use has been treated successfully with picosecond laser. Ochronosis generally occurs only in darker complexions where skin cells contain more melanin. Treatment for epidermal melasma tends to be more successful. Chronic adverse events related to exposure to hydroquinone are of greater concern. Exogenous ochronosis caused by topical hydroquinone use has been treated. But its possible side effectsburning, redness, permanent discolorationand the conversation surrounding . Exogenous ochronosis (EO) is a cutaneous disorder characterized by blue-black pigmentation resulting as a complication of long-term application of skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone but may also occur due to topical contact with phenol or resorcinol in dark-skinned individuals. 713,714 Alkaptonuria (OMIM 203500) is an autosomal recessive disorder in which the hepatic and renal enzyme homogentisic acid oxidase is absent. . Misuse of hydroquinone, or use of hydroquinone in certain skin types, is the leading cause of exogenous ochronosis. "Hydroquinone is a topical skin treatment for melasma, freckles, age and sun spots, and even acne scars," Shafer says. Use sunblock during the day if you are going to be exposed to the sun. A lot of factors contribute t. Prolonged use or too high a concentration of hydroquinone can cause a condition called paradoxical ochronosis, which Garshick explained . Allergic reaction or hypersensitivity hydroquinone Sun exposure The efficacy of this treatment can be enhanced by using a retinoid nightly and a mid-potent steroid, which is applied twice daily for 2 weeks, then at weekends only. Two percent hydroquinone has been used for years and is considered the most effective course of treatment for melasma. Exposure to Hydroquinone worsens symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. In rare, severe cases the prolonged use of high-concentration hydroquinone can lead to intense blue-black pigmentation. Related Questions Black residual skin caused because of scratching of your feet? However, ochronosis occurs only in a very small percentage of cases when hydroquinone products have been applied over a long period of time, especially in high concentrations. Some individuals have reported lightening of the skin in an area they did not intend to treat but that is near an unwanted darkened area where the product has been applied. Answer: This is good question, Well hydroquinone (HQ) is the best medicine to treat melasma ( supervised by dermatologist) and other pigmentary disorders. Often used to treat harsh forms of acne, warts, and much more, this compound is essential to avoid using with hydroquinone because of its increased chances of ochronosis. Most of the . Often, and especially at concentrations over 2%, it's used to treat more serious conditions like melasmaa . But the use of hydroquinone is limited by its side effects like external ochronosis. I have fair to light skin with olive undertones, Mediterranean ancestry - this skin tone is prone to stubborn hyperpigmentation. I need treatment for exogenous ochronosis. The only adverse effects associated with this treatment are skin irritations and mild peeling. Also known as tocopheryl acetate, hydroquinone is a skin-lightener. These may include: Medications such as quinacrine and quinine; Deposits of phenol (carboxylic acid), used in the past to treat leg ulcers; Rarely, excessive use of hydroquinone (in this case, cartilage is not affected). Currently I am treating it with lemon juice, meladerm (because it has no hydroquonine in it) and flaxeed oil. please I'm asking for your help. You can also try antioxidants or these vitamins and supplements to treat PIH from the inside. Dermoscopy might become a valuable resource in approaching exogenous ochronosis. Ochronosis occurs when the homogentisic acid builds up inside connective tissue. Hydroquinone, a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Here are 7 facts you need to know before starting with hydroquinone: Quick Navigation. Hydroquinone is carcinogenic and mutagenic. G et the Free Guide here Prevention Use low dose hydroquinone 2% or less Do not use it on the whole body just apply to your spots Use sunscreen when using hydroquinone and stay out of the sun Ochronosis is a skin conditioned characterized by brown or bluish black discoloration. Ochronosis is the most common chronic complication related to long-term use of hydroquinone. It is also used to treat hyperpigmentation problems such as melasma. Answer (1 of 5): Are you certain that your skin was damaged my Hydroquinone? Treatment starts with identifying and understanding the primary cause of hyperpigmentation as well as the contributing factors. After much research, dermatologists have concluded that, in low concentrations, hydroquinone is safe to use and can produce some excellent results. Laser: Lasers are the final bus stop when it comes to treating ochronosis as they use a specific wavelength of light to destroy the pigment. People with this disease have a deficiency in an enzyme called homogentisic acid oxidase which allows the build-up of certain substances that eventually deposit in connective tissue found . The absence of this catabolic enzyme causes excess homogentisic acid to be excreted in the urine and to accumulate as dark pigment in connective tissue. You should never put hydroquinone cream on an open wound or injured skin. In the US, hydroquinone can be used in concentrations up to 2% in OTC products and 4% in prescription products. Once your skin has lightened in color the best thing to do would be to avoid sun exposure and then to use an sunscreen with SPF 30 with zinc oxide to protect your skin and prevent it from re-darkening. Vitamins, Supplements and Diet to Treat PIH. Treatment: Dark under-eye circles have been notoriously resistant to treatment. Dermatologists often use hydroquinone to treat melasma, a skin condition where dark patches appear on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip. In cases of hyperpigmentation,. Read Responses (3) Follow. I am 100% sure I have Exogenous Ochronosis on my face from the use of hydroquonine. It is usually apparent on the face. Macroscopically, though, the affected tissues appear bluish-grey because of a light-scattering phenomenon known as the Tyndall effect. First discovered as a powerful photographic developing agent in 1880 by Sir William de Wiveleslie Abney, hydroquinone eventually made its foray into skincare, gaining popularity as a skin-lightening ingredient in such regions as Africa and Asia. Publication types Case Reports MeSH terms Administration, Cutaneous Adult Hydroquinone bleaches your skin by decreasing the number of melanocytes present. Exogenous ochronosis (EO) is a cutaneous disorder characterized by blue-black pigmentation resulting as a complication of long-term application of skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone but may also occur due to topical contact with phenol or resorcinol in dark-skinned individuals. Exogenous ochronosis is a cutaneous hyperpigmentation condition caused by the accumulation of substances derived from phenol on the skin or mucous membranes without affecting other tissues. It treats melasma, freckles, age and sun spots, and even the dark marks left behind by pimples - basically any form of hyperpigmentation and discolouration. Evidence of this dates to the 1980s when hundreds of cases of ochronosis in Africa were directly linked from combining the two products. This isn . Various preparations are available including creams . #1 - Hydroquinone Should NOT be used together with Peroxides. Large concentrations of oral hydroquinone induce liver damage. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation such as subsequent to acne. After taking in all this information, if you think a hydroquinone-based treatment is right for you, consider Admire My Skin's proven Ultra Potent Brightening Serum. Hydroquinone is a depigmenting agent used to treat dyschromia, a condition of skin discoloration or patches of uneven skin color, caused by freckles, melasma, sun spots/liver spots, and hyperpigmentation. However, it is only suitable for targeting small . I head you should only use it for 3 months so I asked my online dermatologist service . This brings us to an important rule to remind when using hydroquinone: always use a broad spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen when applying a skincare product containing hydroquinone. Even though the proportion of hydroquinone present in some of these creams is as low as 2%, it may still cause ochronosis with . Hydroquinone can work well for Ochronosis in the same way it works for Melasma. Long-term use can result in a skin disorder called exogenous ochronosis. Hydroquinone is most commonly used in bleaching creams by patients aged 13 years and over with a dark skin type. Sublime22. @samsammisosa no don't use it 3 times a day.that's only instructions for your body the skin on our face is thinner and more sensitive so only use it once a day preferably at night for 3 days then stop and wait for it to peel and heal then repeat.if you apply it more than that and before the skin heals it . Skin lightening products can be found widely throughout the world. It can al Exogenous Ochronosis Indian J Dermatol. Hydroquinone has also frequently been misused. babuironman. Asked by: Gisselle Hickle. Hydroquinone is a topical skin-bleaching agent used in the cosmetic treatment of hyperpigmented skin conditions. Freckles and lentigines. Exogenous ochronosis is the brown-black skin discoloration that occurs as a result of dermal accumulation of homogentisic acid. Instead, it restricts the skin's ability to produce melanin, which has the effect of lightening the complexion but only while you're using the medication. It occurs mainly due to the use of bleaching agents, most frequently hydroquinone. What does ochronosis look like? Achieving flawless skin as part of the desire to be perceived as 'beautiful' is a common sentiment shared by many cultures [1]. In some cases chemical peels or lasers may be used. However, some people may develop intense stinging/burning sensation, swellings, discoloration of the skin and patchiness. Repeat this process as often as the product label advises. So i have had itchy feet . There is a concern that overuse of Hydroquinone can contribute to this condition. How does it work? So here the role of experts come in action. What are the symptoms of alkaptonuria? Ochronotic arthropathy is treated with physiotherapy, analgesia, rest, and prosthetic joint replacement when necessary. 715-720 The gene responsible (HGD) maps to chromosome 3q21-q23. "It is . It is important to protect the affected areas of skin from. If you want to be on a safe side, avoid hydroquinone products. The lesions are difficult to treat, being resistant to several approaches. Used in reasonable concentrations and under physician supervision, hydroquinone is safe and effective for pigment problems such as sun damage, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. DON'T use hydroquinone for too long. I have been using hydroquinone for about 2 months now at 4% in a formula with 0.025% tret now bumped up to 0.05% tret. Shadows caused by pseudo herniated orbital fat, skin laxity and tear trough associated with aging . After one to three . Sun exposure can not only make hyperpigmentation worse, but also reverse . To report a new case of alkaptonuria A 49-year-old man #3 - Hydroquinone is Made from CRUDE OIL. Most of these side effects tend to appear early on when undergoing hydroquinone treatment. Evidence of this dates to the 1980s when hundreds of cases of ochronosis in Africa were directly linked from combining the two products. It can be used, often in combination with other medications, to treat: Melasma. Remember that hydroquinone topical creams are meant to even out small patches of mismatched skin tone caused by hyperpigmentation. Ochronosis is a rare disease characterized by skin pigment changes and degenerative arthritis caused by deposition of homogentisic acid in joint cartilage. Ochronosis of alkaptonuria is a rare hereditary autosomal recessive disease in which there is an absence of homogentisic acid oxidase resulting in accumulation of homogentisic acid in tissues. Common side effects of hydroquinone include mild skin irritation, burning and stinging, allergic contact . Some people may experience temporary mild redness, itching or stinging and dryness/scaling of the skin when they start to use hydroquinone. But most people are not aware about that and end up abusing it, which eventually cause serious damage on their skin. These products include bleaching creams, soaps, and pills, as well as professional treatments like chemical peels and laser therapy. . Of the many treatment options and products available on the market, the most common chemical agent to achieve this is hydroquinone (HQ), a topical bleaching agent used in the treatment of hyperpigmentation or dyschromias. Given the risk of permanent discoloration (ochronosis) when using hydroquinone for periods extending .