Brown spots that appear on the skin as we age, some call them 'age spots', and many people are a little worried about these. It's normal to think things like, "Oh, I've got a spot on my face," or "My hands are turning brown in places." So today we're talking about a special liquid medicine that a doctor can give you to treat these brown spots on the skin.
What exactly is this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medication.
1. Mequinol : This works by gradually lightening the dark skin tone, that is, those brown spots.
2. Tretinoin : This is a naturally occurring form of vitamin A. It helps renew skin cells .
The combination of these two is what treats the brown spots on your skin, also known as 'age spots' or 'liver spots'.
But one thing you need to remember is that this medicine should only be used under the supervision of a doctor. Also, the doctor will explain to you that you should definitely avoid the sun while undergoing this treatment.
Doctors may also use this medicine for other skin conditions . So if you have any questions, ask your doctor about it.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will ask you about some things. If you have any of the conditions below, you should definitely tell your doctor about it.
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Skin diseases | If you have conditions like eczema or sunburn. |
| Vitiligo | If you or someone in your family has lichen planus (a disease that causes white spots on the skin). |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to Mequinol, Tretinoin, Vitamin A, or any other medicine, food, or pigment contained in this medicine. |
| Pregnancy | This is a must-know if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding . |
How to use this medicine correctly?
This is only a medicine that is applied externally to the skin. Therefore, it is not good to take it by mouth at all. You should use it exactly as the doctor says, and as stated on the medicine label.
1. Clean the skin: Before applying the medicine, wash and dry the affected area thoroughly.
2. Apply correctly: Use the special applicator that comes with the medicine. Apply only enough to cover the brown spot. Do not let it get on the healthy, normal-colored skin around the spot.
3. Avoid bathing: Do not soak the area in water or bathe for at least 6 hours after applying the medicine.
4. Using Make-up: You should wait at least 30 minutes after applying the medicine before applying cosmetics to the affected area.
5. At the right time: Use only the right amount and at the right time as directed by your doctor. Do not overuse.
This medicine is not approved for use in children. Therefore, if you are using this in children, you should talk to a pediatrician about it.
What if it is used too much?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
There are several things you should pay attention to when using this medicine.
It takes time to get results.
The spots will not disappear immediately after applying this medicine. It may take about 6 months of treatment to see the full results. You need to be patient with the treatment. After stopping the treatment, the spots may darken again over time.
Skin discoloration
If you apply this medicine for too long or in too large a quantity, the treated area or the skin around it may become lighter than your normal skin color. If you notice this, stop applying the medicine to that area and tell your doctor.
Don't rub it on sensitive areas!
Do not apply this medicine to sensitive areas such as around the eyes, lips, or the folds of the nose. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water and see a doctor.
Be careful of the sun!
This is the most important thing. Your skin will be very sensitive to the sun while using this medicine. So stay out of the sun as much as possible.
- If you go outside, wear clothes that cover your skin.
- Be sure to use a good sunscreen .
- Never use things like sun lamps and tanning beds.
Be careful with other cosmetics
Do not use the following products in the same area as this medicine without your doctor's advice.
- Cosmetics that dry out the skin (e.g. products with high alcohol content )
- Astringents, spices, lime peel
- Medicated soaps or shampoos
- Permanent wave solutions, electrolysis, hair removers or waxes
- Anything that dries out or irritates the skin.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Severe skin reactions | Crusts or swelling where the medicine is applied. Persistent, unbearable burning or itching. |
| Whitening of the surrounding skin | Whitening of the skin around the injection site (halo hypopigmentation). |
| Minor inconveniences | Dry skin, sensitivity to the sun, slight itching or burning sensation where the medicine is applied. |
| Skin redness | Redness and peeling of the skin where the medicine was applied (this may subside in a few days). |
This list does not include all side effects. If you notice anything different, talk to your doctor about it.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
This ointment may interact with other medications you are taking. For example:
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Some antibiotics
- Thiazide diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide)
So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and traditional medicines). Also, tell them if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine should only be used under the advice and supervision of a doctor .
- It is essential to protect yourself from the sun during treatment. Use a good sunscreen.
- Be patient with the treatment as it takes time to see results. It can take up to 6 months.
- If you notice any unbearable burning, itching, or unusual changes in your skin, stop using the medicine and tell your doctor immediately.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, do not use this medicine at all.
- Store the medicine out of the reach of children, at room temperature, and away from light. It is flammable, so keep it away from fire.
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