Apart from treatment of the complications ( such as joint replacement for the cartilage damage ), vitamin C has been used to reduce the ochronosis and lowering of the homogentisic acid levels may be attempted with a low-protein diet.
12.
The process performed with creams containing hydroquinone is banned in some countries, such as the member states of the EU . In 2006, the FDA removed previous advice that stated hydroquinone was considered generally safe, as hydroquinone has been linked to ochronosis, where skin becomes permanently discoloured and disfigured, and because it may also be a carcinogen.