A solution to melasma? Let's learn about this three-ingredient cream (Fluocinolone, Hydroquinone, Tretinoin Cream)!

Are you worried about brown spots on your face, maybe on your cheeks, forehead? In medicine, we call this melasma. This is a condition that can sometimes occur during pregnancy or with hormonal changes. So today we are going to talk about a special cream used to treat this melasma condition. This is not a single medicine, but a combination of three medicines, so the results are likely to be successful.

What is actually in this cream?

Simply put, there are three main types of medication in this cream. They are:

1. Fluocinolone: ​​This is a type of corticosteroid . Specifically, it helps reduce inflammation and redness in the skin.

2. Hydroquinone: This is the main drug that helps lighten dark spots on the skin, that is, lighten the skin . What it does is reduce the production of pigment in the skin.

3. Tretinoin: This is a retinoid drug, similar to Vitamin A. It works by increasing the rate of skin cell renewal. This helps the top layer of skin with spots to peel off and new skin to appear.

So, the combination of these three is what treats the brown spots on your face, especially on your cheeks and forehead, called melasma.

What are the things I need to tell the doctor before using this medicine?

Before you start using this cream, is it a good idea to definitely tell your doctor these things?

• If you have a sunburn- like condition.
• If you have an allergic reaction to the medicines fluocinolone, hydroquinone, tretinoin, other corticosteroids, vitamin A, or sulfites in this cream. Also, if you have allergies to other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives, tell your doctor.
• If you are pregnant, or are hoping to become pregnant (this is very important!).
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

It is very important for your safety to discuss these things with your doctor.

How exactly do you use this cream?

This cream is for topical use only (for external use only) . Follow the directions on the prescription label provided by your doctor.

Here's exactly how to do it:

1. First, cleanse your face gently. But not harshly, with a mild cleanser.Only good. Don't use a washcloth, okay? Gently rub with your fingertips, rinse with water, and gently pat dry.

2. Then, take a small amount of the cream, enough to cover the spots and about half an inch of normal skin around them, and gently rub it in.

3. Rub gently until it is well absorbed into the skin. If applied properly , the cream should be absorbed into the skin until it is no longer visible . Otherwise, if you can still see the cream, it means you are applying too much.

4. Use the medicine as directed by your doctor, at the right time and in the right amount. Do not use more than the prescribed amount or use it more frequently.

Remember: This medicine is not approved for use in children. So if you are using this on your child, be sure to talk to a pediatrician about it.

What if you accidentally apply too much? If you think you've used more cream than you thought, call a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Another thing, this medicine is for you only. Do not let anyone else use it.

What do you do if you miss a medication appointment?

If you forget to apply the cream one day, skip it. Apply it as usual the next time it's due. Never double up on the missed dose.

What other things might conflict with this cream?

This is also a very important point. When you use this cream, it may interact with some other medications and cosmetics. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about the following things you are using:

• Aminolevulinic acid `(Aminolevulinic acid)`
• Benzoyl peroxide (found in some acne creams)
• Some types of antibiotics
• Phenothiazines (e.g. Chlorpromazine, Mesoridazine, Prochlorperazine, Thioridazine)
• Porfimer
• Thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, a medicine that causes you to pass more urine)

This list may not be complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including herbs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and non-prescription drugs. If you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other illegal drugs, tell your doctor. Some of these things can affect the effectiveness of this cream.

What are the things to consider when whipping cream?

This cream works slowly. You may need to continue treatment for up to 8 weeks to see full results.Also, after stopping treatment, the melasma spots may reappear over time, becoming a little darker.

If you use this cream for a long time, or if you apply too much , the areas where the cream was applied and the skin around it may temporarily become lighter than your normal skin color. If you notice this, stop applying the cream to those areas and tell your doctor.

If you experience any skin sensitivity, irritation, or itching , or if your melasma spots appear to be getting darker , stop using the cream and see a doctor.

Do not let this medicine get into your eyes, nostrils, wounds, or other sensitive areas of your skin. If it accidentally gets into your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and see a doctor.

Be careful! Your skin will become more sensitive to the sun when you use this medicine.

Therefore, minimize sun exposure as much as possible. If you must go out in the sun, wear clothing that covers your skin, use a good sunscreen, and avoid sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Special warning for pregnant women and those hoping to become pregnant:

Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. If you are a woman of childbearing age, ask your doctor about safe birth control measures while using this medicine.

Sometimes this cream can dry out your skin. To remedy this, you can use a good moisturizer after washing your face in the morning.

Also, do not use the following on the areas where you apply this cream until your doctor tells you to:

• Other cosmetics that can severely dry out the skin (e.g., products high in alcohol, astringents)
• Spices (sometimes used in cooking)
• Peel of lime or other citrus fruit
• Medicated soaps or shampoos
• Permanent wave solutions
• Electrolysis (a method of hair removal)
• Hair removers or waxes
• Any other treatment or procedure that may dry or irritate your skin.

Ask your doctor before using these.

What are the possible side effects?

Like all medications, this one can have minor side effects. But don't worry, most of them aren't serious.

But if you experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately:

• Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue.
• Crusting or swelling where the cream was applied.
• Severe or persistent burning, irritation, stinging pain, or itching where the cream was applied.
• The skin around the area where the cream was applied becomes whiter than normal (halo hypopigmentation) .

These side effects are usually not serious, but if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor:

• Dry skin.
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight.
• There may be a slight itching or stinging sensation where the cream was applied.
• Slight peeling of the skin, slight redness, burning or irritation.

This list may not include all possible side effects. Talk to your doctor for more information about side effects.

How do you keep this cream safe?

Keep this cream out of the reach of children .

Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius / 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Never store in the freezer.

Discard expired medicine without using it.

Things to remember to take home

So, we've talked about a special cream for melasma. Remember, this is just a summary. If you have any more questions about this medication, talk to your doctor, the person at the pharmacy, or a healthcare provider.

The most important thing is to use the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you, and to tell your doctor right away if you have any problems. That way, you can receive treatment safely and successfully.

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