Common Skin irritation.

Expert advice for Hydroquinone Topical

Use of sunscreen is a must while using hydroquinone topical. Avoid unnecessary sun exposures and cover the treated areas with clothing. Even minimal exposure to sunlight can reverse the bleaching effect of hydroquinone.
Discontinue use and contact your doctor immediately if you develop allergic skin reaction or notice blue-black darkening of skin upon use of hydroquinone.
Avoid direct contact of cream with your eyes. In case of direct contact, wash your eyes with water immediately and seek immediate medical attention.
Do not use hydroquinone creams on broken, irritated or injured skin.
Do not use hydroquinone creams with other creams that contain peroxides (hydrogen peroxide/benzoyl peroxide), resorcinol, phenol, or salicylic acid as it may cause unwanted side effects.
You may be advised by your doctor to perform a skin sensitivity test to avoid any allergic reaction
Use in children aged below 12 years is not recommended unless under the strict supervision of doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
It should not take if patient is allergic to hydroquinone or any of its ingredients.

Q. Is hydroquinone safe/good for skin and face?
Yes. Hydroquinone is safe if used as directed, for the prescribed duration by your doctor. Please limit sun exposures and apply sunscreens or cover the treated area with protective clothing. Even minimal exposure to sun can reverse the bleaching effect of hydroquinone

Q. Is hydroquinone topical a steroid?
No. Hydroquinone does not have a structure or effect similar to steroids

Q. Is hydroquinone banned in India?
No. Hydroquinone is available and is not a banned drug in India

Q. Is hydroquinone carcinogenic/does hydroquinone cause cancer?
Hydroquinone should not be used in excess quantity for long duration, as it is associated with possible carcinogenicity

Q. Is hydroquinone toxic?
No. Hydroquinone is not toxic if used as directed, for the prescribed duration by your doctor. It is available as creams and meant for external use on the skin only

Q. Does hydroquinone lighten/bleach your skin?
Hydroquinone is used to bleach or lighten dark patches of skin

Q. Does hydroquinone lighten skin permanently?
The effect of hydroquinone is reversible (reversible depigmentation) with time and exposure to sun and therefore not permanent

Q. Does hydroquinone make skin darker?
Hydroquinone may cause blue-black darkening of skin. This is not the normal effect of hydroquinone. Discontinue use and contact your doctor immediately if you notice darkening of skin upon use of hydroquinone

Q. Does hydroquinone help acne?
No. It has no known effect in the treatment of acne.

Expert advice for Tretinoin Topical
Apply a thin layer of Tretinoin Topical once daily, before bedtime, to the affected area of skin. You may experience mild skin irritation on applying Tretinoin Topical. Exposure to sunlight may cause skin irritation. Hence, avoid this type of exposure while using Tretinoin Topical. The color and texture of your skin may change on long-term use. Not advisable for women who are or plan to become pregnant. Certain other skin medications such as benzoyl peroxide may inactivate Tretinoin Topical and therefore should not be used simultaneously.

Q. Is tretinoin topical a steroid/ retin a/ retin a/ a retinoid/retinol?
Tretinoin topical is not a steroid. It is a form of vitamin A (Retin-A) and belongs to a group of medications called as ‘retinoids'. Tretinoin and retinol are similar but tretinoin tends to be a bit more aggressive than retinol which is a bit more suitable for those with sensitive skin

Q. Is tretinoin cream safe?
Tretinoin is safe if taken at recommended doses and duration. The gel form should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 12 years

Q. Does tretinoin cream work/ is tretinoin cream good for acne/acne scars/lighten skin/thin the skin/work on wrinkles/fade dark spots/clog pores/cause breakouts?
Tretinoin cream works effectively in most of the patients. It is useful for treating most of the skin related issue like acne, acne scars, skin lightening, removing wrinkles, fade dark spots, clog pores, etc. It does not cause breakouts but helps the skin in healing it

Q. Is tretinoin available over the counter?
It is available only as per doctor's prescription.