The Effect of Hydroquinone on the Skin

Hydroquinone is a topical prescription drug that is sold under several brand names including Aclaro, Eldoquin and Esoterica. This drug is used to reduce the amount of melanin in the skin and reduce brown skin pigmentation.

Desired Effects

• According to Drugs.com, hydroquinone is used to lighten specific darkened areas of the skin such as age spots and freckles.

Allergic Reactions

• Hydroquinone use may cause allergic reactions that require immediate medical help and may cause facial swelling and breathing trouble.

Side Effects

• Severe side effects such as stinging, severe burning and other skin irritations have developed in some users of hydroquinone and these effects should be discussed with a doctor.

Interactions

• A temporary staining of the skin can develop when hydroquinone is used concurrently with a peroxide skin product such as benzoyl peroxide.

Warnings

• Do not use hydroquinone on skin that is dry, sunburned or irritated. This drug can make a person's skin more sensitive to the sun and increase the risk of sunburn.

Precautions

• Patients with liver disease or kidney disease may need special monitoring or a dosage adjustment while using hydroquinone.