ABSTRACT
The popularity of the Internet and online media has led to the increased availability of prescription-strength, skin-lightening products contributing to a rise in their use among people with various skin pigment disorders. These products may contain a wide variety of active ingredients such as heavy metals, hydroquinone, and corticosteroids that can be highly toxic, especially after prolonged application. For decades, there have been case reports of both corticosteroid and heavy metal toxicity related to skin-lightening cream use. We report a case of a child who developed status epilepticus after ingesting a skin-lightening solution containing 2% hydroquinone. The toxicodynamics of hydroquinone and its effects on the central nervous system are discussed.
Subject(s)
Hydroquinones/poisoning , Skin Lightening Preparations/poisoning , Status Epilepticus/chemically induced , Anticonvulsants/therapeutic use , Ataxia/chemically induced , Ataxia/rehabilitation , Eating , Emergencies , Humans , Hydroquinones/administration & dosage , Infant , Intubation, Intratracheal , Lorazepam/therapeutic use , Male , Phenobarbital/therapeutic use , Phenytoin/analogs & derivatives , Phenytoin/therapeutic use , Physical Therapy Modalities , Seizures/chemically inducedABSTRACT
Hydroquinone is a phenolic metabolite of benzene, a known human carcinogen. Hydroquinone is widely used in the industry. We report a case of a 43-year-old male diagnosed with antecedent myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia following 16 years of occupational exposure to hydroquinone in radiographic developer solution. Cytogenetic studies revealed aberrations in chromosome 5 and chromosome 7. We review the literature on hydroquinone as a potential cause of hematolymphatic cancers and discuss the role of hydroquinone as a genotoxic and leukemogenic agent.
Subject(s)
Chromosome Aberrations/chemically induced , Hydroquinones/poisoning , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/chemically induced , Mutagens/poisoning , Myelodysplastic Syndromes/chemically induced , Occupational Diseases/chemically induced , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Adult , Animals , Benzene/metabolism , Benzene/poisoning , Benzene/toxicity , Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5 , Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7 , Humans , Hydroquinones/metabolism , Hydroquinones/toxicity , Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics , Male , Mice , Mutagens/metabolism , Mutagens/toxicity , Myelodysplastic Syndromes/genetics , Occupational Diseases/genetics , RatsABSTRACT
Hydroquinone is one of the most effective molecules for the treatment of hyperpigmentary disorders, with over 40 years of efficacy and safety data. Concerns over its safety have been raised because of the fact that it is a derivative of benzene and because of the long-term side-effects observed with cosmetic products containing high concentrations of hydroquinone. However, despite 40-50 years use of hydroquinone for medical conditions, there has not been a single documented case of either a cutaneous or internal malignancy associated with this drug. This article reviews the evidence for the safety of hydroquinone in the treatment of hyperpigmentation conditions.
Subject(s)
Hydroquinones/therapeutic use , Hyperpigmentation/drug therapy , Animals , Cosmetics , Humans , Hydroquinones/administration & dosage , Hydroquinones/adverse effects , Hydroquinones/poisoning , Occupational Exposure , Phytotherapy/adverse effects , SafetyABSTRACT
A 30-year old black woman presented with gradual onset of weakness of the legs associated with burning sensation in the feet for two months. She had been using two hydroquinone based skin bleaching creams (MGC by M. G. C. International, MEKAKO by Anglo Fabrics BOLTON Ltd) for about four years. Her BP was 80/40 mm Hg supine with un-recordable diastolic pressure on standing. She had decreased power (Grade 3/5), loss of deep tendon reflexes and impairment of deep sensation in the lower limbs. A complete blood count, urinalysis, serum electrolytes, serum creatinine and uric acid were all normal. Oral GTT, VDRL and brucella tests were negative. Chest and abdominal radiographs did not show any abnormalities. A diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy with autonomic neuropathy possibly due to hydroquinone toxicity was made and she was advised to stop using hydroquinone based skin bleaching creams. Four months later she was asymptomatic, her BP was 120/80 mmHg supine and standing, and neurological examination was normal. The case raises the question of whether hydroquinone based skin bleaching creams could be a cause of peripheral neuropathy and underscores the need for research on hydroquinone based skin bleaching creams and neuropathy particularly in black women involved in the sale and/or use of skin bleaching creams.
Subject(s)
Dermatologic Agents/poisoning , Hydroquinones/poisoning , Paraparesis/chemically induced , Paresthesia/chemically induced , Adult , Female , HumansABSTRACT
A fatality due to the ingestion of photographic developer solution containing hydroquinone is described. Hydroquinone was extracted from autopsy materials and identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The concentration of hydroquinone in the urine, liver, and kidney were 3.4 micrograms/mL, 0.5 and 0.2 microgram/g, respectively.
Subject(s)
Catechols/poisoning , Hydroquinones/poisoning , Catechols/analysis , Drug Overdose , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Humans , Hydroquinones/analysis , Kidney/chemistry , Liver/chemistry , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
Attention is drawn to the widespread use of bleaching preparations by Black women. These products often contain hydroquinone. They act efficiently as bleaching agents, but chronic oversaturation of the skin with hydroquinone eventually produces ochronosis. This complication has reached epidemic proportions in the Transvaal. Although the assay of hydroquinone in cosmetic products has not yet been standardized, we present some provisional results. The clinical, social and industrial aspects are also significant.
