Monobenzone Safety and Skin Whitening
Monobenzone is a topical medication used to permanently remove skin pigmentation (color) in people with the disorder vitiligo. Vitiligo causes permanent loss of pigment from irregular areas of skin and can be disfiguring, especially in people with darker skin. Available in generic form and as the brand Benoquin, monobenzone is considered a safe medication, but for certain reasons is not recommended for any other patients except those with vitiligo.
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Purpose
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People with vitiligo use monobenzone to look as normal as possible when the disorder causes irregular light areas on the skin. Because vitiligo and monobenzone both cause loss of pigment, the two types of lightened areas can blend together to a large degree. The medication should be applied in a thin layer two to three times daily to the skin that still contains pigment. After the treated skin has lightened sufficiently, which may take several months, the medication still should be applied two times a week to maintain the lighter skin color.
Warning
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People should not use monobenzone for other cosmetic purposes such as attempting to lighten freckles, sun-damaged skin, age spots or other areas with extra pigmentation. Monobenzone is absorbed by the body and can eventually change the color of skin in areas where it was not applied, and some of these changes may be long-lasting or permanent. Additionally, because the lightening effects of monobenzone are not perfect, using the medicine to completely alter one's skin color is likely to cause irregular patches of skin color.
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Photosensitivity
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Topical monobenzone makes skin permanently hypersensitive to sunlight and other ultraviolet rays, such as those from sunlamps or tanning beds. People who have used this medication should avoid exposure to sunlight as much as possible, and must use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors to avoid severe sunburn.
Skin Reactions and Allergies
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People using monobenzone may have skin reactions to the medication. These can include dryness, cracking, peeling, irritation and burning sensations, redness and minor swelling. Anyone experiencing prolonged or worsening skin side effects should seek medical attention. Additionally, some patients experience an allergic reaction to monobenzone, although this is rare. Signs include rash or hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of the throat, face and mouth.
Pregnancy Considerations
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies topical monobenzone as pregnancy Category C, meaning studies with animals have shown that the drug can be harmful to a fetus. This has not been determined in humans, but anyone who might become pregnant may need to avoid using monobenzone.
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