Abstract
Exogenous ochronosis has been described as a complication associated with the use of hydroquinone for skin lightening in dark-skinned individuals, but is now also increasingly recognized as a possible complication of hydroquinone use for treatment of pigmentary disorders such as melasma in fairer-skinned individuals. Diagnosis of this condition is difficult in early cases. Dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy have been put forward as possible diagnostic aids. It is important that clinicians are aware of this complication of hydroquinone therapy. In this article, we briefly discuss the clinical findings, pitfalls in diagnosis, etiopathogenesis and possible treatment options of this difficult-to-treat condition.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.