US EPA

2874776 

Journal Article 

[Exogenous ochronosis hydroquinone induced: A report of four cases] 

Ribas, J; Schettini, AP; Cavalcante, M 

2010 

Yes 

Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia
ISSN: 0365-0596
EISSN: 1806-4841 

85 

5 

699-703 

Spanish 

21152798 

10.1590/S0365-05962010000500017 

WOS:000285248300016 

Exogenous ochronosis is an infrequent dermatosis characterized as a dark blue hyperpigmentation localized where the causing agent was applied. It may be caused by the use of systemic medication such as antimalarials and by the use of topic substances such as phenol, resorcinol, benzene, or hydroquinone, which is a fenolic compound with depigmentation action, largely used in the treatment of melasma and other hyperpigmentation. The physiopathology of this process is not well clear up to this moment, and the therapeutic measures are not satisfactory either. Here we present four cases of female patients that developed hyperpigmentation on their faces after the use of hydroquinone containing compounds, characterized clinically and histological as ochronosi. We emphasize the possibility of exogenous ochronosis cases being misdiagnosed as a melasma treatment failure. We also emphasize the risks of the indiscriminated use of hydroquinone containing compounds, used, in many instances, without medical prescription. 

hydroquinones; hyperpigmentation; melanosis; ochronosis