Hydroquinone Bleaching Cream

Hydroquinone bleaching cream is a topical product that has been linked to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). It is used to lighten pigmented areas of the skin such as:

  • Age spots (also called senile lentigines)
  • Freckles
  • Dark splotches on the face related to pregnancy (chloasma or melasma) or use of hormones such as in birth control pills

Hydroquinone is a breakdown product of benzene. In other words, when benzene is metabolized in the body, some of it is broken down into hydroquinone. Benzene is known to cause cancer and the cancer with which hydroquinone is associated is AML.

Hydroquinone comes in two concentrations. The 2 percent concentration is available over the counter. The stronger, more effective 4 percent concentration requires a doctor’s prescription.

The cream whitens skin by inhibiting the body’s production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin a brown color. Exposure to the sun causes us to produce more melanin; hence we become suntanned.

AML is a cancer of white blood cells that originates in the bone marrow.

Hydroquinone Cream Side Effects

Because of its association with cancer, hydroquinone is banned in the United Kingdom. If you have liver or kidney disease, you need to tell your physician about your use of hydroquinone, because the dosage might need to be adjusted.

Most of the side effects of hydroquinone occur in the skin. They include:

  • A propensity to sunburn, persons using hydroquinone should wear protective clothing and sunscreen
  • The possibility of skin damage from cold or wind
  • Skin dryness or cracking if applied close to eyes, nose or mouth

People that use this bleaching cream are also risk of skin senility to:

  • Harsh soaps
  • Shampoos
  • Certain skin cleansers
  • Hair coloring products or permanent chemicals
  • Skin products with alcohol, spices, lime, or astringents
  • Mild burning or stinging, itching, or redness

More serious side effects, for which you should call your doctor, include:

  • Severe burning
  • Stinging
  • Itching
  • Redness

Redness

  • Rash
  • Hives
  • Severe itching
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
  • Blistered skin

Brand Names for Hydroquinone-Containing Products

The following brand name products contain hydroquinone:

  • Esoterica
  • Aclaro
  • Alustra
  • Epiquin micro
  • Solaquin forte

Contact a Hydroquinone Cream Injury Lawyer

If you have been using a hydroquinone cream and been diagnosed with AML, you should contact a hydroquinone cream injury lawyer. Attorneys with experience helping clients obtain damages from using hydroquinone are available to help you. Contact us today to schedule a private evaluation of your case.