Melasma in Women With Darker Skin Tones: Here’s Why It’s Often Worse (With Images)
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hydroquinone
Used for Skin Discoloration
Used for Skin Discoloration
Hydroquinone 4% cream is a prescription medication. It's used to fade dark spots or patches on the skin (hyperpigmentation). This includes skin discoloration from things like freckles, melasma, and age spots. Hydroquinone 4% cream can be used by people 12 years and older. The skin bleaching cream is applied directly onto the affected skin typically twice daily. Common side effects include redness and stinging on the skin. It can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun and make sunburns easier.
Note: This page is about prescription hydroquinone 4% cream, not over-the-counter hydroquinone products.
What is Hydroquinone 4% cream?
What is Hydroquinone 4% cream used for?
- Gradual lightening of dark spots on skin (hyperpigmentation)
How Hydroquinone 4% cream works
Hydroquinone 4% cream is a skin-lightening medication called a depigmenting agent. It works by lowering the amount of melanin your body makes. Melanin is the natural pigment that gives your skin its color. Over time, this can help dark spots or dark patches of skin to become lighter in color.
When does Hydroquinone 4% cream start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Eldoquin Forte |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Depigmenting agent |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Hydroquinone 4% cream
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Dry skin or cracked skin near the nose or below the eyes
- Skin redness
- Stinging on the skin
Less Common Side Effects
- Rash
- Itching
Hydroquinone 4% cream serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: itchy; red rash (hives); shortness of breath; chest tightness; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; swelling around your eyes
The following Hydroquinone 4% cream side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Change in skin color
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness
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$48.69
GoodRx discount
$22.74
Pros and cons of Hydroquinone 4% cream
Pros
- Can help fade dark spots and dark patches on the skin (e.g., freckles, melasma, age spots)
- Applied directly to the affected skin so it works where you want to lighten
Cons
- Can take a few weeks or months to see results
- Can make your skin more sensitive to the sun
Pharmacist tips for Hydroquinone 4% cream
- Use hydroquinone 4% cream as prescribed. Tell your prescriber if your dark spots haven't improved at all after 2 months of use. They might have you stop using hydroquinone 4% cream and help you find other options.
- Hydroquinone 4% cream can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. This means that you might get sunburns more easily. Sun exposure can also sometimes make dark spots reappear. Be sure to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing, such as a hat, when you're outside.
- Tell your healthcare team about all the medications and skin products you use. Just like hydroquinone 4% cream, other medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. These can include Retin-A (tretinoin), doxycycline, and certain water pills. Your care team can make sure all your medications are safe to use together.
- Store hydroquinone 4% cream at room temperature (68ºF to 77ºF). It's normal if the cream gets a little darker in color over time. Keep hydroquinone 4% cream out of reach of children.
How to use hydroquinone 4% cream:
- Before using hydroquinone 4% cream for the first time, apply a small amount to a small area of healthy skin. Wait 24 hours to check for a skin reaction. Some mild redness or itching can happen. But if you develop blisters, severe itching, or large raised bumps, don't use the cream. Tell your prescriber if this happens.
- Wash your hands before and after using hydroquinone 4% cream. You can gently wash the affected area with a mild cleanser before applying the cream. Let your skin dry completely before you apply it.
- Apply hydroquinone 4% cream twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. Apply a thin layer only to the affected areas of your skin and rub it in well. Treat only small areas at a time unless your prescriber tells you otherwise.
- Don't get hydroquinone 4% cream in or around your eyes, nose, mouth, or lips. These areas are very sensitive and can become irritated. If the cream gets on these areas, rinse well with water. If you or your child accidentally swallows the cream, call the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) or get medical help right away.
Risks and warnings for Hydroquinone 4% cream
Hydroquinone 4% cream can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Allergic reaction
- Risk factors: Sulfite allergy or sensitivity | Asthma
Hydroquinone 4% cream contains a sulfite, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. Some reactions can be serious, including anaphylaxis and trouble breathing. Your risk might be higher if you have asthma or a sensitivity to sulfite. Tell your prescriber before using hydroquinone 4% cream if you have asthma or a sulfite allergy.
Watch for signs of an allergic reaction after applying hydroquinone 4% cream. Signs can include itchy, red rash (hives) or swelling of your face, lips, or around your eyes. Also watch for any trouble breathing or chest tightness. If this happens, get medical help right away.
Sun sensitivity
- Risk factors: Exposure to sunlight | Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light | Not using sunscreen
Hydroquinone 4% cream can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. The cream doesn't contain sunscreen, so too much sun exposure can raise your risk of sunburns. Getting too much sun can also make dark spots or patches come back.
Protect treated skin from the sun while using hydroquinone 4% cream and after treatment. Limit your time in the sun or stay in the shade when you can. If you go outside, use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and wear protective clothing, like a hat or long sleeves. Also avoid tanning beds and sun lamps. Talk to a dermatologist or your prescriber if you have questions about protecting your skin.
Blue-black darkening of the skin
- Risk factors: Black people
Hydroquinone 4% cream can cause blue-black patches to appear on the treated skin over time. This might be more common if you're Black, but it can also happen to people of any race. Stop using hydroquinone 4% cream and talk to your dermatologist or prescriber if you notice blue-black patches on your skin.
Hydroquinone 4% cream dosage
The average cost for 1 tube of 28.35g of 4% of Hydroquinone 4% cream is $22.74 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 53.30% off the average retail price of $48.69. 
Tube of cream
Tube of cream| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28.35g of 4% | 1 tube | $22.74 | $22.74 |
How much does Hydroquinone 4% cream cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Hydroquinone 4% cream (generic)
$22.74
News about Hydroquinone 4% cream
What Is It Like to Use Hydroquinone Skin-Bleaching Cream for Dark Spots?
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Hydroquinone 4% cream images
