I stopped using Termonix cream. Why did my face get darker?

Question

Hello doctor,

I used a cream called Termonix for some time and stopped using it recently. Afterward, my face became darker and more tanned, while my neck and ears remained normal.

Since then, my skin has become very sensitive; most creams or products cause burning or stinging, and nothing seems to help lighten or heal it.

I also noticed tiny yellowish or white bumps around my lips that are not painful but will not go away. My skin has been sensitive since I was around 15, but this reaction only started after I stopped taking Termonix.

I am worried it might be a reaction or withdrawal effect from the cream, and I would like to know how to safely restore my skin barrier, reduce the darkness, and treat the small bumps without worsening the irritation.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

It sounds like you are experiencing steroid-induced skin barrier damage and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, likely due to prolonged use and sudden withdrawal of Termonix cream (Hydroquinone and Mometasone), which commonly contains potent corticosteroids along with antifungal or antibacterial agents.

When used on the face, such creams can initially lighten the skin but later cause skin thinning, increased sensitivity, rebound redness or darkening, acne-like bumps (steroid-induced folliculitis), and burning once stopped.

The tiny yellowish or white bumps around the lips may be due to clogged pores or milia resulting from barrier disruption and irritation.

To heal your skin, the most important step is to completely stop using any steroid or harsh cream on your face. Start with gentle skin barrier repair -

Use a mild, fragrance-free face wash (cleanser).
Avoid soaps and scrubs.
Apply a barrier-repair cream twice daily. These help restore ceramides and natural lipids.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF (sun-protection factor) 30 to 50) daily, ideally a physical or mineral-based one containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these are less irritating.

I suggest the following to treat your hyperpigmentation-

For pigmentation, once the sensitivity has settled (after four to six weeks), your doctor may add a gentle depigmenting agent, such as Azelaic acid 10 to 15 %, Niacinamide five percent serum, or Kojic acid cream.
Avoid hydroquinone or retinoids until your skin barrier is stable.
For the bumps, avoid squeezing them; use mild keratolytic agents like Salicylic acid 0.5 to 1 % or Adapalene 0.1 % gel only after your skin tolerates it.
If redness, burning, or bumps worsen, a dermatologist may prescribe a short tapering course of a low-potency topical steroid (like Hydrocortisone one percent) under supervision, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams like Pimecrolimus or Tacrolimus, to help transition safely off steroid creams.

Healing may take several weeks to months, but with gentle care, your skin tone and barrier function can gradually normalize. Also, avoid home remedies, fairness creams, or exfoliating products during recovery.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.