HomeAnswersDermatologymelasmaI have hyperpigmentation on cheeks and forehead with spots on it. Kindly help.

What is the treatment for hyperpigmentation on cheeks and forehead that reoccur, once tablets are stopped?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Infanteena Marily F.

Published At December 13, 2021
Reviewed AtSeptember 6, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have hyperpigmentation on cheeks and forehead and have spots on it. I took medications for it before and when I stopped taking it, the condition came back. Why do they occur? I am attaching the photographs. Can you please provide me with internal treatments. Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for writing in, and I understand your concern. This condition can be melasma. Melasma is a hyperpigmentation disorder characterized by dark patches over cheeks, nose, forehead, and rarely on hands. It usually happens due to some hormonal causes and can get worse with sun exposure. The treatment is based on reducing the pigmentation and preventing further pigmentation. Treatment is given for four weeks initially. So it is advisable to follow up after four weeks. Please do not continue treatment after four weeks without a doctor's consultation. I suggest you take the following medication. Use Melalite forte cream (Hydroquinone) for local application on spots at night, Aziderm 20 % cream (Azelaic acid) for local application on spots in the morning, use Photostable gold gel apply all over the face before going out in the sun once in the morning. Apply it 30 minutes after the Aziderm 20 % cream application without washing Aziderm. Take Tablet Limcee (Vitamin C) once a day after breakfast. I suggest reviewing after four weeks. If you have any doubt, kindly revert. Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply. I need some oral tablets. Do they have any side effects? Should I avoid any food items when I am on treatment? If I stop the treatment after four weeks, will it increase? If the cream you suggested has any side effects like itching, what can I do? Could you suggest some anti-aging and wrinkle-free cream? Can I apply anti-aging cream with this treatment? Thanks.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The oral medicine I suggested above is Tablet Limcee (Vitamin C). It does not have many side effects, if taken once a day. There is no need to avoid any food while taking these medicines. I suggest you consult after four weeks. Change of medication can be suggested accordingly. Stopping abruptly might lead to recurrence. If irritation or itching due to cream is too much, I suggest you withhold it for two to three days and apply only sunscreen and any moisturizer. I suggest you use Epilyno lotion as an anti-aging cream and moisturizer with this treatment. Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply. I had taken the treatment you prescribed me for melasma. You told me I had to take it no more than four weeks. Now, look at the pictures; there is no improvement. What do I do now? Are you going to change my medicines? What will be the next step of the treatment? Kindly prescribe me in a single message. I would be thankful to you. Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. As you have not noticed any burning or erythema, and there is a mild improvement too, better to continue the treatment for the next six weeks. A change of medicines might be required after 6 to 8 weeks unless you have any burning or redness. So the next step is to continue for at least six weeks and use your sunscreen regularly. I also suggest using Cream Aziderm 20% (anti-acne cream), Cream Melalite forte (Hydroquinone 4%) (total duration of this cream should not be more than three months), Photostable gold sunscreen. Take Tablet Limcee 500 mg (vitamin C supplement) once daily. Review after six weeks. Take care.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply. I have one question, can I apply anti-aging cream, and how much gap should be between these creams and anti-aging cream? And, would you mind prescribing me some good face wash? I will be grateful to you. Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It depends. If using the prescribed medications and anti-aging cream together does not cause burning or redness, you can apply at a gap of 10 minutes. I suggest using Rejuglow face wash (Glycolic acid and Salicylic acid). It will be suitable for pigmentation as well. But it can cause a bit of dryness. Use any moisturizer if that happens. Take care.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply. As per your prescription, I have taken the treatment for eight weeks. Look at the pictures, and a great difference can be seen. Only 10 % left. What to do next now? Kindly tell me. You said the change of medicines would be required after six weeks.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand the concern. Thanks for sharing the pictures (attachments are removed to protect the patient's identity). It looks better than before. It has been two months since the start. You can continue using melilite forte cream for two more weeks. Also, I suggest using the following medications. Use Cream Melalite forte (Hydroquinone 4 %) as before for two more weeks, Glyco 6 Cream (Glycolic acid 6 %) ( replace Melilite forte with this cream after two weeks), Aziderm 20 % cream (anti-acne cream), Photostable gold sunscreen. Tablet Limcee 500 mg (vitamin C supplement) once daily. Kindly review after one month. Take care.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for your reply. Does the medicine you prescribed cause side effects? For example, the Melalite forte I am using right now is causing burning (appearance) kind of scars, which is painless on my forehead. Is it because of the cream, or should I stop it? Should I start applying Gylco 6 cream? Will that be fine? I am sending you the picture, kindly check. I think it is increasing on the forehead. It was clear a few days ago, but it happened last week. What should I do?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for sharing the picture (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). If Melalite forte is causing burning, please stop using it now. You can use Glyco 6 cream at night, along with sunscreen. Melasma can not be completely cured, and mild recurrences are common. That is why one needs to use regular sunscreens and creams for maintenance, like Glyco 6 cream. Stop using all creams for a couple of days, and only use moisturizer and sunscreen for now. Then start Glyco 6. Take care.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Dilip Kumar Meena
Dr. Dilip Kumar Meena

Dermatology

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