Skin depigmentation or skin discoloration is one such skin problem that has left 2 to 4 million Americans searching for effective treatment. The chief cause behind the happening of Vitiligo is the loss of melanin or pigment that renders the skin its distinctive color due to dysfunction of pigment-forming cells called melanocytes. A wide array of repigmentation methods has been tried, but in vain. It is mostly due to the far-reaching damage of the skin made by depigmentation. There are patients who have more than 50 percent of their body area affected by this skin disorder. In such cases, physicians prescribe total depigmentation therapy that discolors the normal pigmented skin to match the skin tone of the depigmented area.

 

Patients who have Vitiligo over more than 50 percent of their body usually resort to depigmentation treatment as repigmentation method turns futile for them. This skin disorder can occur on most of the body parts such as face, lips, arms, hands and feet, retina of the eye, nostrils, armpits, groin, and genitals. Benoquin works on the dark skin by inhibiting the action of melanocytes, the cells that generate melanin or pigment in the skin. As a result, pigment is completely removed from the dark skin, thereby matching with the Vitiligo affected skin. So, patients will look and feel normal after the treatment.

 

As a topical therapy, Benoquin (Monobenzone) cream should be applied and rubbed into the normal pigmented skin area in a thin layer uniformly. You must use the medication twice or thrice a day, or as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided for a prolonged period of time. Never forget to apply a quality sunscreen lotion over your body when you go outside. You can cover your body with protective clothing too.

 

You’ll start to experience depigmentation after one to four months depending on your skin darkness and regular use. If you don’t get the desired results using Benoquin (Monobenzone) cream after four months, the medication should be discontinued. Once you obtain the desired level of depigmentation, you can use the cream twice a week only to sustain the effect of depigmentation. Store the drug at a safe place and out of the reach of children. If somebody consumes it accidentally, call a doctor or a Poison Control Center right away.

 

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has listed Benoquin (Monobenzone) in the pregnancy category C. So, it is not certain whether the application of Benoquin on the skin by pregnant women can cause harm to a fetus or hamper their reproduction capability. There are also no studies carried on animal reproduction with Benoquin cream 20%. Pregnant women should use this drug only if clearly required.

 

As many medications excrete into breast milk, Monobenzone may be a cause of concern for nursing mothers. Though it is unknown whether Monobenzone can have a presence in beast milk, carefulness should be exercised when the cream is administered to a breastfeeding woman.