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What Does Redness On Marks After Applying Metalite Cream For Hyperpigmentation Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 13 Feb 2015

Question: Hi Dr
i did apply Metalite cream on my hyperpigmentation marks last night and this morning i have noticed bit of redness on the marks and they appear a bit darker to me. Is it a reaction or nothing to worry abt? Should i wait for the redness to settle down or should i not use it at all... i just don't want my pigmentation to get worse. Only thing i can think of which might have caused the redness is that i put a thick layer on the pigmentation, however i should have put a small amount a rub it over the affected area until it all disappear. Can u plz advise what should i do now?
many thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You have developed Irritant dermatitis to the topical cream

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us at healthcaremagic

This cream contains a combination of tretinoin and hydroquinone, both of which are irritants and can cause redness.

The best way to start using this cream is to use it for just 2 hours at night and wash it off and gradually increase the time of application

Or

Alternatively you may use it every alternate night in the beginning.

You may discontinue it for the time being. You may restart with this cream after 3-5 days as advised.

You may use a moderately potent topical steroid e.g fluticasone propionate for 3-5 days to help resolve the irritation

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (31 minutes later)

Thank you so much doc... can i buy this steriod cream over the counter without prescription... probably not in Australia... so what is the other alternative.. i m scared it not to get worse... coz the redness is still there as i left the thick layer of cream overnight over the pigmentation. . Are there any other side effects of that... i mean will it get better if i don't use anything on it?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I suggest an OTC topical steroid e.g cortisone cream

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

The cream which i mentioned is not an OTC product. It is available on prescription. However, you may check with your local pharmacy if it is available without prescription.

Alternatively you may use cortisone (hydrocortisone 1% )cream. It is milder than fluticasone propionate 0.05% but would also be effective. Use it twice daily for 3-5 days.

When you restart the tretinoin+hydroquinone combination, use it for just 2 hours initially, once daily every night and then wash it off.

Or

Alternatively use may use it every alternate night in the beginning.

Use it just as a thin film. Do not rub it in.

Also use a broad spectrum sunscreen throughout the day to protect from sun because your skin would be sensitive. Reapply every 2-3 hours.

Moreover, sunscreen and sun protection is an essential part in the management of facial hyperpigmentation.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (13 minutes later)

For how long can i use this Metalite cream for...? Coz i know it can't be used for long term... also can i use kojiglow along with metalite cream?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You may use hydroquinone cream for 2 -3 mnths followed by kojic acid cream

Detailed Answer:
Hi

You may use hydroquinone based cream for 8 -12 weeks once daily at night followed by the other cream which contains kojic acid. Kojic acid is also a pigment reducing agent and is ideal for maintenance of improvement.

I won't suggest using both of them together.

Use a sunscreen throughout the day

Regards

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar