Hydroquinone Side Effects During Pregnancy

Hydroquinone is an aromatic organic compound and is a type of phenol. Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, was originally used in surgery as an antiseptic treatment for skin during operations. It is also a basic element in aspirin and herbicides. One of the properties of phenol and hydroquinone is their tendency to bleach the skin. This led to the development of hydroquinone for use in lightening freckles and other skin discolorations.

General Uses

Due to its properties associated with lightening of the skin, hydroquinone in a topical application has been used for age spots and other skin discolorations. Some of these skin conditions are caused by pregnancy or by the use of certain hormone therapy drugs, such as birth control pills. The condition of skin discoloration during pregnancy, known as melasma, generally affects facial areas, including the cheeks, lips, nose and forehead.

Side Effects

General irritations to the skin (dermatitis) may be a side effect of using hydroquinone. This would include itching, stinging or redness of the skin. Prolonged use of hydroquinone may cause severe irritation, crusting of the skin and possible edema (swelling) of treated areas. In some cases, hydroquinone can cause a blue-black discoloration of the skin, although this seems to be confined to women who have a darker skin pigmentation.

Possible Side Effects

The Food and Drug Administration has placed the class of topical creams containing phenol, such as hydroquinone, into a C category for pregnant women. This category is established on the basis of test results on animals as to the effects of any substance on fetal development. Some of the reported affects of hydroquinone on animals indicated an increase in still births and lower birth weight, as well as deformities in unborn fetuses.

Other Risks

There have been some reports of the dangers of using hydroquinone by mothers who breastfeed. Currently, there are no conclusive findings that suggest any potential danger to babies who breastfeed while the mother uses hydroquinone in a topical application. However, it is known that the skin may have a lack of sufficient absorption with some topical creams and while there are no reported dangers to infants from ingesting low amounts of hydroquinone through breastfeeding, it may require the advice of a doctor before usage.

Precautions

Due to the category C rating by the FDA concerning the use of topical hydroquinone products, there may be some need for precautions concerning its use by pregnant women. The advice of a medical professional may be recommended. There are also alternatives to using hydroquinone in addressing skin discoloration, including taking vitamin supplements. Any change in dietary intake or use of topical products should be reported to a medical caregiver.