Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8030, USA.
Dermatol Clin. 2011 Jan;29(1):111-23. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2010.08.010. Epub 2010 Oct 13.
Hyperpigmentation disorders and skin lightening treatments have a significant impact on the dermatologic, physiologic, psychologic, economic, social, and cultural aspects of life. Skin lightening compounds, such as hydroquinone and topical corticosteroids, are often used to treat hyperpigmentation disorders, such as melasma, or lighten skin for cosmetic purposes. Despite their established effectiveness, a multitude of dermatologic and systemic complications have been associated with these agents. Regulatory agencies have also recognized the adverse effects of skin lighteners and many countries around the world now forbid the production and sale of these compounds, although this prohibition has not significantly curtailed distribution. Dermatologists and users of cosmetic products should be aware of the various components in bleaching compounds, their potential adverse effects, and alternative options for skin lightening.
色素沉着障碍和皮肤美白治疗对皮肤学、生理学、心理学、经济学、社会学和文化生活方面有重大影响。皮肤美白化合物，如氢醌和外用皮质类固醇，常用于治疗色素沉着障碍，如黄褐斑，或出于美容目的使皮肤变白。尽管这些化合物已被证实有效，但它们与多种皮肤和全身并发症有关。监管机构也认识到皮肤美白剂的不良影响，世界上许多国家现在禁止这些化合物的生产和销售，尽管这种禁令并没有显著减少其分销。皮肤科医生和化妆品使用者应该了解美白化合物中的各种成分、它们的潜在不良反应以及皮肤美白的替代选择。
