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Suggest Treatment For Hypopigmentation After Using Hydroquinone

Posted on Tue, 9 May 2017

Question: Hi
i have hydroqinone induced hypopigmentation from short time use of only 3 month and 3% and occassionlly 5%. I used it only once a day for like 8 weeks and afterwards on and of for another 4 weeks. I had a micordermabrasion done 2 weeks ago and since then it seems more obvious than before. it does seem so much lighter than the other skin. What can I do? Is this permanent? How can I find out if it is really hypopigmentation? I am desperate. I am half XXXXXXX half german. I had these treatments for hyperpigmentation.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly upload a few images

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr.kakkar (dermatologist).
I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.
Hypopigmentation is an area of skin that is lighter in color than the surrounding normally pigmented skin. Hypopigmentation can be a side effect of depigmenting agents such as hydroquinone, azaleic acid, tretinoin, glycolic acid etc.
This side effect is temporary and reverses on discontinuation of treatment, however, sometimes topical agents like either tacrolimus ointment Or pimecrolimus cream may be required for more complete and faster resolution of hypopigmentation.
I request you to kindly upload a few images of the affected area so that I am able to guide you better. You may upload images in "Reports Section"

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (46 hours later)

I know the definition of hypopigmentation. And maybe i also guess this is a halo effect from hydroquinone. I have uploaded photos via reports. I hope this is right. I have heard hydroquinone can lead to permanent hypopigmnetation. What can I do?

Thank you in advance for your kind attention and support.

Regards

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Remedy for hypopigmentation

Detailed Answer:
Thank you. I have viewed the images.

Permanent hypopigmentation can happen with long term use of higher concentrations of hydroquinone. It does not usually happen with lower strengths like 3% or 5% of hydroquinone if used for just 2-3 months. The hypopigmentation that you have seems temporary I.e post inflammatory and should resolve.
I suggest you to use either tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream, twice daily over this area of hypopigmentation.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 hours later)

Sorry, but i have seen reports on the internet, that say, that they have been using HQ also at lower strenghtes like 2% and had hypopigmentation. Can this hypopigmentation I have be from the lightest Microdermabrasion? There was no redness or itching afterwards. Would it be permanent in that case?
Thanks for you answer in advance.

Kind regards

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding hypopigmentation on face

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Yes certainly microdermabrasion may have accentuated or contributed to the depigmenting action of hydroquinone since both are synergistic in action but I am sure this hypopigmentation is temporary and would resolve with time. Hydroquinone at lower strengths is safe on face if used for just 2-3 months. You can wait for this side effect to subside spontaneously or else may use either topical tacrolimus or pimecrolimus as suggested earlier.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (33 hours later)

Thanks for you answer. But it is also lighter were just the microdermabrasion was done and not the cream and the microdermabrasion together and I have also the inpression that allthough the microderma was very light there is also some more Hyperpigmentation so that the difference is more obvious. I just dont know. It is hard to tell. If it is hyperpigmentation from microdermabrasion, will this solve too? I always use sunscrene 50 +. Whar would you recommend me to do?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding hypopigmentation on face

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

You may use either 2% Kojic Acid (Kojic cream) or 10% Glycolic Acid (Glyco-A cream) based product for hyperpigmentation. They are safe as compared to hydroquinone and can even be used long term. This would help reduce hyperpigmentation.
Yes, the contrast at the margins of remaining hyperpigmentation can make the difference more obvious and sometimes even normal skin color may be mistaken for hypopigmentation!!
Continue with the sunscreen. It is a must for depigmenting therapy to work and preventing hyperpigmentation.

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