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Hydroquinone Made Hyperpigmentation FAR WORSE! - New York, NY

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My dermatologist in California warned me. She...

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My dermatologist in California warned me. She said that hydroquinone is standard treatment for hyperpigmentation but she advised against it, because often it makes the hyperpigmentation worse. BUT when I moved to NYC and saw a fancy dermatologist in a fancy midtown office he convinced me that hydroquinone is the standard treatment. What are you worried about?
Hydroquinone more than doubled the size of the dark spot and made it far darker. People kept asking me - how did you get that big bruise on your forehead? Did you fall.
Now I am stuck with it. I've seen 5 dermatologists here in NYC. All expressed surprise that hydroquinone made it worse. (Why did my California doctor know something that NYC dermatologists do NOT know?)
They all recommend various types of laser treatments BUT when I press them on success rates, they change the subject. WTF. Finally one doctor admitted that up to 20% of people treated with laser for hyperpigmentation get 50% improvement. Sheesh.
That's my sob story. Now I just put 50 SPF on the hyperpigmentation every day and pray. Am experimenting with overnight application of Lytera cream ($125 for a small amount, ouch) and if this is helping, it sure is slow.
Anyone else got a recommendation?

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Replies (19)

Oh dear this happened to you
Do u know how.
I'm sorry
I want too make them dark.
i do not kno how to make something dark , skin , but the sun
This is all back wards I want to be darken.
Hi Gina! I am Indian and I have the exact problem. I was scared that it might be exogenous ochronosis but I applied HQ 2% only maybe 3 times before I got a very dark patch on my forehead. It has become much lighter in 4-5 months but it is the same since.I have just started my CO2 laser treatments and the first one made my patch slightly darker. I am curious if Lytera worked for you?
I used Lytera for around 10 months. Twice a day made it darker but just using it overnight either had no effect or slight help. It may have helped because now my dark spot is around 50% lighter. This is a big deal because now people do not notice it much anymore. During the day I always use SPF50 on the dark spot only. I do not put SPF on the rest of my face, thinking that tanning the rest of my face will make the dark spot less obvious. I worry that word is NOT spreading about the dangers of hydroquinone.
I agree with you. My doctor told me to use it for 6 months only but she never made me aware of something called exogenous ochronosis. I have it after 3-4 applications because I suspect my HQ was an expired product. I have really light pigment disorder but my forehead has a dark spot which I am hoping would go away with laser treatments. Lasers like CO2, QS NdYag and QS Alexandra have helped improving the condition a lot according to the research papers I read. Did you try any laser? I am trying CO2.
Wow, I'm so sorry this happened to you. Have you looked into Kojic Acid or Papaya soaps? I too have been suffering from hyper as well as hypopigmentation on my face & body. I plan on using those soaps in addition to Glutathione and Vitamin C supplements to lighten my overall skin color, which I hope will blend the patchy spots into one color. There are ways to lighten your skin safely with NATURAL products. As with any skin care augmentation, there'll always be risk, but if you take the *slow & steady* route, I think you'll be able to get the results you want.
I did it ever go away?! You only used HQ 3x and only 2%?!
I have redness, used 6% but only one time... I’m distraught
Try elecon cream it will fade it then use sunscreen everyday..
Nothing came up the only thing close to it was Elocon cream used for diaper rash, eczema, and psoriasis . Thanks anyway