Hyperpigmentation: Its Historical Treatment and the Development of Hydroquinone

Skin color has always been important and interest to people in all cultures. Disorders of skin color, either hyperor hypopigmentation are cosmetically vexing and can be signs of systemic disease. For many centuries physicians have tried to treat such disorders. We review some of the history of treatments for hyperpigmentation and the development of hydroquinone, currently the medication of choice for hyperpigmentation.