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Hydroquinone usage results in black armpits. Please help.

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had a fungal infection in both armpits for some days due to Hydroquinone's usage suggested by a doctor. Now both my armpits turned black. Kindly help me to turn them white.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam is a General Practitioner and Family Physician with broad clinical experience. He specializes in Pulmonology and Internal Medicine, delivering expert care for respiratory and internal conditions. With a patient-centered approach, he emphasizes accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention, providing comprehensive, personalized care to improve health outcomes and quality of life for patients across all ages.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. According to your statement, you have been suffering from the blackening of both armpits. You had fungal infections in both armpits. After using Hydroquinone, both your armpits have turned black.

For your fungal infections, you had to use antifungal creams. Hydroquinone is used to lighten the dark patches of skin or hyperpigmentation or melasma caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medications, or injury to the skin. Hydroquinone blocks the process, which leads to discoloration in the skin.

But, according to your description, your armpits have turned black after using Hydroquinone. Am I right? According to the picture that is provided here, you may suffer from melasma due to the overproduction of melanin. You can use Hydrocortisone cream twice daily on your affected area along with taking Vitamin C supplements orally.

You provided a picture of your armpit (attachment removed to protect patient identity), and it is difficult to download. What is the condition of your other armpit?

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Yes, because of Hydroquinone, I got an infection, and my armpit turned black. I used antifungal cream and now free of fungal infection. So I want to lighten my arms. I am terrified to use Hydroquinone where it caused to peel my skin in the armpit area and causes redness and burning. The next armpit is also in the same condition.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam is a General Practitioner and Family Physician with broad clinical experience. He specializes in Pulmonology and Internal Medicine, delivering expert care for respiratory and internal conditions. With a patient-centered approach, he emphasizes accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention, providing comprehensive, personalized care to improve health outcomes and quality of life for patients across all ages.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Do not use Hydroquinone in your lifetime. Your blackening of the skin and other symptoms like the peeling of the skin, irritation, burning, redness, etc., may result from allergic reactions to Hydroquinone.

According to the pictures provided here (attachment removed to protect patient identity), your armpit on the second picture is more affected than the first picture. Hopefully, applying Hydrocortisone cream twice daily on your affected area will subside your blackening of the skin.

You can take a vitamin C supplement twice daily along with Hydrocortisone cream. If you are still suffering from irritation or burning the skin in the armpit, you can take Fexofenadine for 7-10 days.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At December 15, 2020
Reviewed At January 13, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam is a General Practitioner and Family Physician with broad clinical experience. He specializes in Pulmonology and Internal Medicine, delivering expert care for respiratory and internal conditions. With a patient-centered approach, he emphasizes accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention, providing comprehensive, personalized care to improve health outcomes and quality of life for patients across all ages.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Muhammad Zubayer Alam is a General Practitioner and Family Physician with broad clinical experience. He specializes in Pulmonology and Internal Medicine, delivering expert care for respiratory and internal conditions. With a patient-centered approach, he emphasizes accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention, providing comprehensive, personalized care to improve health outcomes and quality of life for patients across all ages.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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