Huge mistake to use Monobenzone if you don't have Vitiligo

[mj_bart]

Hello Everyone -- hope you're doing well.
I have a question:
While living overseas for a year (2010), I used a facial cream that contained monobenzone; it was for skin bleaching.  I have not used any for 4 months now, however, i'm left with patches of discoloration on different parts of my face and, ironically,  i'm a lot darker than I used to be and way more sensitive to the sun.  Also, my skin is now patchy and continuously dry.  Is there something that could be done about this; i.e. just get back my normal even color and return to healthy facial skin.  I haven't called a doctor yet mainly because i'm a little embarrassed about this whole thing.  Any recommendation would be greatly appreciated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Monobenzone belongs to hydroquinone and decreases the excretion of melanin from melanocytes. It has a side effect that skin that is not treated with this medication may also become discolored or white in appearance. Sometimes it may be permanent and is very difficult to treat but sometimes it goes away on its own after exposure to the sun. Creams like  Elidel cream or Protropic can be used on these hypopigmented  areas but at such a young age it is not advisable to use them . If the symptoms still persist then  you can talk to your dermatologist about laser-assisted chemabrasion(LACA).

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Monobenzone belongs to hydroquinone and decreases the excretion of melanin from melanocytes. It has a side effect that skin that is not treated with this medication may also become discolored or white in appearance. Sometimes it may be permanent and is very difficult to treat but sometimes it goes away on its own after exposure to the sun. Creams like  Elidel cream or Protropic can be used on these hypopigmented  areas but at such a young age it is not advisable to use them . If the symptoms still persist then  you can talk to your dermatologist about laser-assisted chemabrasion(LACA).

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.