1978N-0065
  

  
Skin Bleaching Drug Products
  


  

  

  


  

  
FDA Comment Number : 
  

  
EC141
  



  

  
Submitter : 
  

  
Dr. Alix Charles
  

  
Date & Time: 
  

  
12/18/2006 09:12:15
  



  

  
Organization : 
  

  
Chicago Dermatological Society
  



  

  
Category : 
  

  
Health Professional
  



  

  
Issue Areas/Comments 
  


  

  


  

  
GENERAL
  


  

  



  

  
GENERAL
  


  

  



  

  
 To Whom it May Concern,



     My name is Alix J. Charles MD and I am a dermatologist practicing just outside the Chicago area.  Like many of my colleagues, I became very concerned upon hearing about the proposed ban on hydroquinone containing products.  Hydroquinone has been safely used since 1961 in a number of products.  It can be found in common food items such as wheat, rice, and red wine.  Over the past 40+ years of hydroquinone use, there has not been an influx of reports regarding cancer occurence or adverse dyspigmentation.  This has left myself and my colleagues confused as to why the FDA should suddenly find itself on the brink of banning this useful chemical.

     As both a dermatologist AND a person with darkly pigmented skin, I can vouch for the profound effect alterations in pigment can have on a person's psyche.  Having dark, unsightly stains on your face or body can make one feel like they are not fit to be seen by the rest of the world. There are very few products available that effectively treat pigmentary disorders.  Hydroquinone is probably the single most effective product for these conditions, and it would be a disgrace to see its use by the public limited in such a drastic way.

     I urge you to reconsider the proposed ban on hydroquinone in light of its usefullness and long history of safe usage over the counter.



Sincerely,

Alix Jude Charles MD