A Ret HC Cream is a combination medication primarily used to treat melasma (a type of skin problem). Melasma, also known as chloasma, is a common skin condition that causes brown patches on the face. It is more common in women than men. The discolored (grey-brown) patches occur mostly on the forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks.

A Ret HC Cream is a combination of three drugs, namely: Hydrocortisone (corticosteroid), Hydroquinone (skin lightening agent), and Tretinoin (retinoids). Hydrocortisone works by acting inside skin cells and inhibits the release of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause redness, itching, and swelling. Hydroquinone belongs to the class of skin-lightening agents that works by decreasing the amount of melanin (a skin pigment) that is responsible for the darkening of the skin. Tretinoin belongs to the class of retinoids (man-made vitamin A) that works by increasing the renewal of skin cells, which helps in the natural exfoliation of the skin’s outer layers.

A Ret HC Cream is only for external use. Use A Ret HC Cream as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to use A Ret HC Cream for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience dry skin, redness, irritation, burning, itching, or stinging sensation of the skin. Most of these side effects of A Ret HC Cream do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

If you are allergic to A Ret HC Cream or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant, a nursing mother, or planning for pregnancy, it is advised to consult a doctor before using A Ret HC Cream. A Ret HC Cream is not recommended for children below 10 years of age. Do not apply A Ret HC Cream on open wounds, dry, sunburned, windburned, chapped, or irritated skin. Avoid sun exposure while using A Ret HC Cream as it may make skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn. Do not cover or wrap the treated area with a bandage unless advised by your doctor. Avoid smoking until A Ret HC Cream has dried completely on your skin, and do not use A Ret HC Cream near open flame or high heat as it is flammable.

A Ret HC Cream is a combination of three drugs, namely: Hydrocortisone, Hydroquinone and Tretinoin used to treat melasma. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that acts inside skin cells and inhibits the release of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause redness, itching and swelling. When the skin reacts to any allergens, such chemicals are released normally. Hydroquinone is a skin lightening agent that decreases the amount of melanin (a skin pigment) that is responsible for the darkening of the skin. Tretinoin is a retinoid (man-made vitamin A) that increases the renewal of skin cells which helps in the natural exfoliation of the skin’s outer layers. Also, tretinoin loosens the cells on the skin’s surface and unblocks pores by reducing the production of oil in the skin. Thereby, it decreases pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. Together, A Ret HC Cream reduces dark spots on the skin and provides relief from itching, redness and swelling.

• Dry skin
• Redness, irritation, burning, itching or stinging sensation of skin

If you are allergic to A Ret HC Cream or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant, a nursing mother, or planning for pregnancy, it is advised to consult a doctor before using A Ret HC Cream. A Ret HC Cream is not recommended for children below 10 years of age. Do not apply A Ret HC Cream on open wounds, dry, sunburned, windburned, chapped, or irritated skin. Avoid sun exposure while using A Ret HC Cream as it may make skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn. Do not apply A Ret HC Cream in large amounts or use it for prolonged time than prescribed as it does not give quick or better results but causes adverse effects. Do not cover or wrap the treated area with a bandage unless advised by your doctor. Avoid smoking until A Ret HC Cream has dried completely on your skin and do not use A Ret HC Cream near open flame or high heat as it is flammable.

Drug-Drug Interaction: A Ret HC Cream may interact with topical antibiotics (benzoyl peroxide). However, if you are using any other medicines, please inform your doctor before using A Ret HC Cream. 

Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found. 

Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have sulfite allergy, asthma, eczema (itchy, swelling of the skin), dermatitis (redness and swelling of the skin), any skin infection, adrenal gland, kidney or liver disease, inform your doctor before taking A Ret HC Cream.

• BENZOYL PEROXIDE

• Avoid sun exposure while using A Ret HC Cream as it may make skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn.
• Regular exercise can improve your mood and self-esteem though it doesn’t clear spots. Take a shower immediately after finishing the exercise.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face from sun exposure.
• Avoid using skin products that irritate such as skin cleansers or shampoos, harsh soaps, hair removers or waxes, hair colors or permanent chemicals, and skin products with astringents, lime, spices, or alcohol.

Please consult a dermatologist if the skin condition does not improve after 2 months of treatment with A Ret HC Cream.

Melasma: It is also known as chloasma, a common skin condition that causes brown patches on the face. The discoloured (grey-brown) patches occur mostly on the forehead, chin, nose, and cheeks. Melasma may be caused due to sun exposure, hormone therapy, pregnancy, birth control pills, thyroid, or even stress. It is more common in women than men. It may occur in pregnant women due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and is called as ‘mask of pregnancy’ and fades away after pregnancy on its own or after stopping the usage of contraceptive pills. It can be treated by using skin-lightening creams, topical steroids, dermabrasion, or chemical peels.