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How To Switch Medication From Cosmelite To Retino-A?

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Posted on Thu, 12 Feb 2015
Question: can i stop using cosmelite suddenly and switch to retino-a ? or should i slowly decrease the frequency of usage and then switch over? Thank u!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Decrease the frqeucny and then switch over. Meet a dermatologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum.

I can understand your concern for stopping Cosmelite suddenly and switch to Retino-A.

Cosmelite contains hydroquinone, steroid and tretinoin. The cream is good but shouldn't be used without a dermatologist's prescription and that too for prolonged period of more than few weeks. On its prolonged use it can cause thinning skin with red irritated skin or even hair growth.

In all your kind of cases I suggest them to stop using Cosmelite cream gradually. As the steroid "mometasone" in it can cause dependence so I suggest my patients to use it alternate days for 2 week and then two times per week for next two weeks and finally once only for next 2 weeks. The rest of the days I generally shift to plane tretinoin cream mixed with bland creams to dilute the side effects.

I suggest you to not to self apply any of these creams as can cause side effects. I suggest you to meet a dermatologist and take further guidance accordingly.

Take care
With regards,

Dr Sanjay Kanodia
MD-DERMATOLOGY
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (2 hours later)
thank u soo much doctor !! it was really very very useful !
i will gradually decrease the frequency of cosmelite...

I am already moisturizing my skin after every face wash sir...and i apply the tretinoin cream only 30-40 minutes after my face-wash !

I dont feel any irritatation or any other side effects currently

Can i switch to 0.05% since i am using 0.025% for nearly a year? or continuing 0.025% for a few weeks more is safer?

Is it okay to use retino-a on the other days while reducing the frequency of using cosmelite?
And in such case which concentration is suitable?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I suggest to use lower percentage which will be quite beneficial.

Detailed Answer:
Dear young fellow,

Welcome back and thanks for your swift response with further query.

In your kind of cases I prefer to use lower concentration of Tretinoin that means 0.025%. The higher percentage can cause irritation so it is better to use lower concentration. A higher percentage is quite common to cause redness and more flaking.

So I suggest to use lower percentage which will be quite beneficial.

I hope you must be relaxed to know all these facts. I will be glad to guide you any further.

"Wish you good glowing skin"

Regards,

Dr Sanjay Kanodia


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (56 minutes later)
Oh thanks a lot !!
Just one more small doubt,

I am also using a face wash containing salicyclic acid once everyday...
should i continue using only one of retino-a & salicyclic acid?? or using both is good if there are no side-effects??

And if i had to stop using salicylic acid, should i stop only gradually?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
There is no issue regarding stopping or starting the face wash.

Detailed Answer:
Dear young buddy,

Welcome back and thanks for your further query.

Regarding the use of salicylic acid face wash: You can use it if you do not feel any dryness on your face. In case if you feel that there is dryness then you can shift to mild face wash otherwise if you feel normal skin feeling then can use it.

There is no issue regarding stopping or starting the face wash. It can be started or stopped as per your convenience.

I hope above information will help you. I will be glad to guide you any further or if not then can close the discussion and give reviews.

"Wish you good glowing skin"

Regards,

Dr Sanjay Kanodia
MD-Dermatology
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 4165 Questions

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How To Switch Medication From Cosmelite To Retino-A?

Brief Answer: Decrease the frqeucny and then switch over. Meet a dermatologist Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum. I can understand your concern for stopping Cosmelite suddenly and switch to Retino-A. Cosmelite contains hydroquinone, steroid and tretinoin. The cream is good but shouldn't be used without a dermatologist's prescription and that too for prolonged period of more than few weeks. On its prolonged use it can cause thinning skin with red irritated skin or even hair growth. In all your kind of cases I suggest them to stop using Cosmelite cream gradually. As the steroid "mometasone" in it can cause dependence so I suggest my patients to use it alternate days for 2 week and then two times per week for next two weeks and finally once only for next 2 weeks. The rest of the days I generally shift to plane tretinoin cream mixed with bland creams to dilute the side effects. I suggest you to not to self apply any of these creams as can cause side effects. I suggest you to meet a dermatologist and take further guidance accordingly. Take care With regards, Dr Sanjay Kanodia MD-DERMATOLOGY