Does hydroquinone cause ochronosis?
Does hydroquinone cause ochronosis?
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.
Is ochronosis curable?
Ochronosis treatment There is no cure for the condition. If alkaptonuria is diagnosed early on in life it is reasonable for patients to have a low-protein diet. This reduces the intake of amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine, which in turn reduces the amount of homogentisic acid produced.
How common is ochronosis from hydroquinone?
Exogenous ochronosis is a rare condition of paradoxical skin darkening seen with use of the skin lightening agent hydroquinone. Incidence has been highest in patients with darker skin types, prolonged use, and higher concentration treatment, but has been reported with low dose (2%) as well.
How long should you take a break from hydroquinone?
The key to getting the most out of your hydroquinone products safely is to use them for only three or four months at a time. You will need to give your skin a break for at least two months in between.
What happens when you overuse hydroquinone?
Excessive hydroquinone concentrations may induce toxic or shocking effects on melanocytes, forcing them to regroup and increase their melanin production (resulting in rebound hyperpigmentation). Additionally, high concentrations of hydroquinone may provoke skin inflammation.
What is the best treatment for ochronosis?
Ochronotic arthropathy is treated with physiotherapy, analgesia, rest, and prosthetic joint replacement when necessary. Exogenous ochronosis caused by topical hydroquinone use has been treated successfully with picosecond laser.
How can I restore my skin after bleaching?
So if you have ever faced these issues due to bleaching, here are some remedies that will help soothe your skin.
- Raw milk and ice cubes.
- Aloe vera massage.
- Coconut water.
- Potato skin.
- Lavender oil.
- Sandalwood pack.
- Turmeric & yogurt.
Can laser treat ochronosis?
Conclusion: The QS alexandrite laser can effectively treat exogenous ochronosis without untoward side effects.
How do you cycle off hydroquinone?
You should never stop using Hydroquinone products abruptly but rather wean off them slowly to prevent rebound pigmentation. 4 days using the Hydroquinone products, the remainder of the week use Non-Hydroquinone products (Retinol Skin Brightener, 10% Vitamin C Self Activating, Brightalive, Wrinkle & Texture Repair).
Is hydroquinone reversible?
Hydroquinone is a topical skin-bleaching agent used in the cosmetic treatment of hyperpigmented skin conditions. The effect of skin lightening caused by hydroquinone is reversible when exposed to sunlight and therefore requires regular use until desired results are achieved.
How long does it take to repair bleached skin?
Bleach burns may take up to two weeks to fully heal.
How is exogenous Ochronosis treated?
Exogenous ochronosis has been largely refractory to topical agents, whereas clinical improvement has been reported after treatment with physical modalities such as dermabrasion, CO 2, and Q-switched 755-nm alexandrite laser irradiation. However, the condition remains difficult to treat.
What causes Ochronosis?
Disease at a Glance Ochronosis associated with alkaptonuria is caused by a genetic change in the HGD gene, which results in the accumulation and deposition of homogentisic acid (HGA) in cartilage. The affected tissue becomes weak and brittle with time, leading to chronic inflammation, joint pain, and osteoarthritis.
Does pigmentation come back after stopping hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone is an inflammatory agent that can become allergenic after 5 months of use. Hydroquinone-induced inflammation can cause rebound hyperpigmentation and reduced tolerance to hydroquinone itself. Pulsing hydroquinone use can prevent this, but quitting ‘cold turkey’ can trigger rebound pigmentation as well.
Is the effect of hydroquinone permanent?
Does hydroquinone lighten skin permanently? No, the results of any skin lightening that hydroquinone brings about are not permanent. The effects can be seen within a couple of months or a few years at the maximum.
Can hydroquinone use cause ochranosis?
It also appears in studies that exogenous ochronosis was also linked with prolonged hydroquinone use longer than 6 months. Limited studies have revealed only about 22 reported cases of exogenous ochranosis in more than 50 years of use in the US, so it is not reported very commonly.
Is Hydroquinone safe for melasma treatment?
Hydroquinone is the first choice of topical bleaching agents used in treatment of melasma. In Brazil, hydroquinone is widely prescribed by physicians and often used by patients without a prescription. The principal adverse effects of its chronic use are confetti-like depigmentation and exogenous ochronosis.
What are the adverse effects of hydroquinone?
In Brazil, hydroquinone is widely prescribed by physicians and often used by patients without a prescription. The principal adverse effects of its chronic use are confetti-like depigmentation and exogenous ochronosis.
What is the pathophysiology of exogenous ochronosis?
Exogenous ochronosis is a localized paradoxical hyperpigmentation of the skin due to prolonged use of bleaching agents containing hydroquinone and phenolic compounds. This entity was first described by Findlay et al.[3] The condition, unlike endogenous ochronosis, does not exhibit systemic involvement.