Important Safety Information

The Precision Dark Spot Corrector^Rx

Please read this information carefully before using your prescription. Keep it for reference, and message your DermClick care team if you have any questions.

What it is

The Precision Dark Spot Corrector^Rx is a compounded prescription topical medication, formulated by a licensed compounding pharmacy for individual patients under the direction of a board-certified dermatologist, working from protocols built by DermClick's founding board-certified dermatologists.

Active ingredients

Hydroquinone - a prescription-strength melanin inhibitor applied precisely to defined dark patches

Inactive ingredients

Centella asiatica - a skin-calming botanical that soothes the skin around treated areasCeramides - lipid barrier agents that protect and maintain the skin barrier throughout targeted correction

What it treats

The Precision Dark Spot Corrector^Rx is prescribed for the treatment of:

Concentrated or defined areas of hyperpigmentation
Stubborn melasma patches that haven't responded to full-face formulas
Individual dark marks from post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Targeted sun spots or hormonal pigmentation in defined areas
Localized discoloration requiring precision application rather than full-face treatment

A board-certified dermatologist has determined this formulation is appropriate for your specific skin based on the assessment you completed.

Who should not use it

Do not use The Precision Dark Spot Corrector^Rx if any of the following apply to you. If your situation changes after your assessment, contact your DermClick care team before continuing use.

You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing - hydroquinone is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
You have a known allergy or sensitivity to hydroquinone, Centella asiatica, ceramides, or any other listed ingredient
You have a history of ochronosis (paradoxical darkening from previous hydroquinone use)
You have used oral isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6 months
You have an active skin infection, severe eczema, or open wounds in the application area
You have severe sunburn or any skin damage in the application area
You are under 12 years of age
You are unable or unwilling to use daily broad-spectrum SPF - without it, hydroquinone spot treatment is unsafe

Warnings and precautions

Pregnancy and nursing

Do not use during pregnancy, while planning a pregnancy, or while nursing. Hydroquinone is not recommended during these periods. If your pregnancy status changes, contact your DermClick care team immediately.

Cycling protocol required

This medication is designed for cycling use - periods of active treatment (typically 3 to 4 months) followed by planned breaks (typically 1 to 2 months) - to support long-term safety. Continuous long-term use of hydroquinone without breaks increases the risk of side effects, including ochronosis in rare cases. Your DermClick care team will design your cycling schedule.

Sun sensitivity is critical

Hydroquinone-treated skin is significantly more sensitive to UV exposure, and UV is also the primary driver of pigmentation. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable for the safety of spot treatment. Without consistent SPF, hydroquinone use can paradoxically worsen pigmentation in treated areas. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, and sun lamps.

Ochronosis risk

In rare cases, prolonged use of hydroquinone can cause ochronosis - a paradoxical bluish-black or gray darkening of the skin that can be difficult to reverse. Risk increases with continuous use without cycling breaks and inadequate SPF. If you notice any unexpected darkening during treatment, stop application and contact your DermClick care team immediately.

Apply only to defined areas

The Precision Dark Spot Corrector^Rx is a spot treatment. Apply only to the defined dark areas as directed - not across the full face. Applying beyond the targeted area may lighten surrounding skin unintentionally.

Realistic expectations

Spot treatment with prescription hydroquinone is faster than gentler approaches, but still measured in months. Meaningful change typically develops over 6 to 12 weeks. If you don't see results by 3 to 4 months, a board-certified dermatologist on your care team will reassess.

Eye, lip, and nostril contact

Avoid contact with eyes, lips, the corners of the nose, and any mucous membranes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Waxing and laser treatments

Do not wax, undergo laser treatments, or use chemical peels on areas where you apply this medication. Pause use for at least one week before and after any such procedure, and consult your DermClick care team.

Paradoxical darkening warning

If you notice your pigmentation getting darker rather than lighter during treatment - especially if it appears bluish, gray, or has a different color quality than the original pigmentation - stop application immediately and contact your DermClick care team. This may be a sign of ochronosis.

Halo effect

Hydroquinone applied to a defined area may slightly lighten the skin immediately surrounding the treated patch. This is common and typically resolves over time. Your care team can advise on application technique to minimize this effect.

Drug interactions

Tell your care team about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you use, especially:

Other topical retinoids (tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, retinol) in the same application area
Other hydroquinone products (over-the-counter or prescription)
Resorcinol-containing products
Alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids at high concentrations in the same area
Benzoyl peroxide products - can deactivate or discolor when combined with hydroquinone
Hydrogen peroxide products in the application area

Possible side effects

Common side effects

These may happen especially in the first 2 to 4 weeks of treatment.

Mild dryness, tingling, or temporary sensitivity at the application site
Mild redness or warmth at the treated area
Stinging on application
Increased sensitivity to sun at and around the treated area
Temporary mild irritation at the application boundary

Less common side effects

Persistent dryness or sensitivity beyond the adjustment period
Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction at the application site
Temporary worsening of pigmentation (paradoxical darkening) - usually associated with insufficient SPF
Halo effect - lightening that extends slightly beyond the treated area
Mild localized burning or itching

These are typical of concentrated hydroquinone spot treatment and usually settle within the first 2 to 4 weeks as your skin adjusts. Your DermClick care team can adjust your application frequency if these symptoms become uncomfortable.

Rare but serious

Contact your DermClick care team or seek emergency care if you experience:

Ochronosis - paradoxical bluish-black or gray darkening of the skin that can be difficult to reverse
Severe rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Difficulty breathing
Signs of severe allergic reaction
Severe blistering or skin sloughing at the application site
Permanent skin discoloration

How to use it

Application

Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin in the evening, after washing your face and patting it dry. Apply only to the defined dark patch or area - not across the full face. Use a fingertip or cotton swab to apply precisely to the targeted area.

Frequency

Start with every other night for the first 1 to 2 weeks. Increase to nightly use as your skin tolerates it, per your care team's direction. Your DermClick care team will adjust your ramp-up plan based on how your skin responds.

Amount

A small, precise amount is enough for the targeted area. More is not better - over-application increases the risk of side effects and halo effect without improving results.

Cycling protocol

A board-certified dermatologist on your care team will design a cycling schedule for you - typically 3 to 4 months of active use followed by 1 to 2 months of break. Do not exceed your prescribed cycle without your care team's direction.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the cap closed when not in use. Hydroquinone formulations can oxidize and discolor when exposed to light or air for extended periods - do not use if the product has turned dark brown or black. Do not freeze.

Shelf life

Use within the period indicated on your prescription label. Do not use after the expiration date.

Morning

Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, moisturizer, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (essential, every morning, every day).

Evening

Gentle cleanser, then The Precision Dark Spot Corrector^Rx on dry skin (targeted area only), then a barrier-supporting, fragrance-free moisturizer.

Layering with full-face formulas

If you are also using The Dark Spot Solution^Rx or The Brightening Solution^Rx, apply the full-face formula first, then layer The Precision Dark Spot Corrector^Rx directly on your most stubborn patches. Your care team will confirm the right layering protocol.

If you have a reaction

For mild irritation

Reduce application frequency to every other night or every third night, apply a fragrance-free, barrier-supporting moisturizer 10 to 15 minutes after the medication, and message your DermClick care team. We can adjust your formula or your ramp-up plan.

For moderate to severe reactions

Stop using the medication. Message your DermClick care team. Send photos if you can - a board-certified dermatologist on your care team will review and respond.

For medical emergencies

For severe rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, signs of severe allergic reaction, or any signs of paradoxical darkening (bluish-black or gray skin), call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Contact your DermClick care team

Phone: 1-833-496-2045
Email: support@dermclick.com
Account dashboard: message your care team directly at app.dermclick.com

Message your care team

About compounded medications

Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy for individual patients, based on a prescription written by a board-certified dermatologist. They are not individually evaluated or approved by the FDA.

The active ingredient in The Precision Dark Spot Corrector^Rx - hydroquinone - is the gold standard topical brightening active in clinical dermatology and has been the standard of care for stubborn pigmentation for decades. Centella asiatica and ceramides are well-established skin-calming and barrier-supporting ingredients used alongside prescription actives to improve tolerability and protect the skin during targeted treatment. Compounding allows a board-certified dermatologist on your care team to configure a spot-specific formula - concentration, vehicle, and supporting ingredients - tailored to your patch rather than your whole face. The cycling protocol, SPF discipline, and ongoing dermatologist check-ins are what make targeted hydroquinone treatment safe long-term.

Your prescription is compounded by a 503A licensed compounding pharmacy and shipped directly to you.

The Precision Dark Spot CorrectorRx