Inflammation from Hydroquinone: Red area

Otto Joseph Placik, MD answers: Hyperpigmented area red after hydroquinone application

I was burnt around the mouth area about half a year ago. I was given a hydroquinone cream by my aesthetician. She said it might help with the hyperpigmentation which resulted from the burn. I was instructed to apply it to the area twice daily.

I woke up this morning and I noticed that the area seemed to be three times more reddish. It is a day later and it looks the same. Will this go away, or is this going to be permanent?


Otto Joseph Placik, MD
10 months ago
By Otto Joseph Placik, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

This is most likely inflammation and commonly ocurrs with Hydroquinone or Retin-A whichare common ingredients in "bleaching" formulas.

Oftentimes these medications are combined with steroid creams to lessen the effect of the irratation. Some of these are formulated in triple preparations. One of these is called Triluma.

Typically over-the-counter steroid creams are not strong enough to counter the effects.

The redness should be treated or you could possibly develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This should be prescribed and monitored by your practitioner.

Also, you may want to consider cessation of the product but please consult with your cosmetic provider.

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