Itch around vaginal area from hydroquinone?

recently, i was curious and tried 4% hydroquinone around my vaginal area.. the few days after that, i began itching?! i have stopped using it.. but i have been having a little sting in that area.. and sometimes itching.. is there anything i can do? or how long this will persist?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it sounds like irritant contact dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis, the most common type of contact dermatitis, involves inflammation resulting from contact with acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents, cosmetics, or other chemicals.

Avoid using any lotions and creams for the meantime. Wash the skin with a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Pat it dry. Then apply a good hypoallergenic moisturizer over the area and see if this improves. If the symptoms still persist then you can use an oral antihistaminic like Benadryl.
If the irritation persists then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist. I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[evlx]

now it looks like i have pimples there down there?! i've never had pimples in that area in my entire life! and it's alot of them together?

[evlx]

i don't know if this helps, but i also have had a wax

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since you had waxing of the area, so it can be due to folliculitis. Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful. In case the symptoms persist then oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.