Is Hydroquinone Effective In Treating Hyper Pigmentation On Face?

Posted on Tue, 18 Nov 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 18 Nov 2014 Answered on

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, my mom was prescribed Hydroquinone USP 4% skin bleaching cream for here Rosacea. The directions say to use twice daily for 2 months. The brand is Perrigo.

I am 38 year old Brown skinned XXXXXXX male and have been using this cream for a week now to treat hyperpigmentation on my face, because my mom's doctor told her it would also help with brown patches.

Is 4% too mild? Will it have any effect on my Hyperpigmentation?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (49 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
4%hydroquinone is good enough

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thanks for writing to us at healthcaremagic

I have gone through your query and I have understood it.

Hydroquinone is an effective skin lightening agent. It is used in concentration ranging from of 2% to 5%.
At 4% concentration it would be good enough to lighten brown patches. Effects are usually evident in about 2-4 weeks.
Hydroquinone is an irritant, therefore you may initially use it for just 30 min to 1 hour daily and gradually increase it to overnight applications once tolerance develops

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar