Meltrim Cream

Meltrim Cream is a skin-related medication primarily used to treat melasma (dark brown patch on skin). Melasma also known as chloasma or mask of pregnancy, is a common skin condition that causes brown patches on the face. It is more common in women than in men. The discolored (grey-brown) patches occur mainly on the forehead, chin, nose and cheeks.

Meltrim Cream contains three medicines, namely: Hydroquinone (skin lightening or bleaching agent), Allantoin (moisturizing agent) and Tretinoin (a form of Vitamin A or retinoids). 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. Allantoin is a moisturizing agent that works by forming an oily layer on the top of the skin that traps in the water. Thereby moisturizing the outermost layer of skin and makes it smoother and softer. Also, it breaks down a protein known as keratin (that forms part of skin structure) and removes dead skin cells and softens 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.

Meltrim Cream is only for external use. Use Meltrim Cream as prescribed by the doctor. Avoid contact of Meltrim Cream with nose, mouth, eyes, ears or vagina. Do not apply on a cut, open wound or burned skin area. In case Meltrim Cream comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly. Some people may experience skin peeling, stinging sensation, erythema (skin redness), and burning sensation at the site of application. Most of these side effects of Meltrim 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 Meltrim Cream or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant, nursing mother or planning for pregnancy, it is advised to consult a doctor before using Meltrim Cream. Meltrim Cream is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Do not apply Meltrim Cream on ulcerated skin or wounds. Avoid sun exposure while using Meltrim Cream as it may make the 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 or going near naked flames as the fabric (bedding, clothing, dressings) that is in contact with Meltrim Cream catches fire and burns easily.  

Meltrim Cream is a combination of three drugs, namely: Hydroquinone, Allantoin, and Tretinoin. 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. Allantoin is a moisturizing agent that forms an oily layer on the top of the skin, which traps in the water. Thereby moisturizing the outermost layer of skin and making it smoother and softer. Also, it breaks down a protein known as keratin (that forms part of skin structure) and removes dead skin cells and softens 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. Also, tretinoin loosens the cells on the skin’s surface and unblocks pores by reducing oil production in the skin. Thereby decreasing pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads.

• Skin peeling
• Stinging sensation
• Mild itching
• Erythema (skin redness)
• Burning sensation at the site of application
• Changes in colour of treated skin

If you are allergic to Meltrim 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 Meltrim Cream. Meltrim Cream is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Do not apply Meltrim Cream on ulcerated skin or wounds. Avoid sun exposure while using Meltrim Cream as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn. Do not cover or wrap the treated area with a bandage unless advised by your doctor. Avoid smoking or going near naked flames as the fabric (bedding, clothing, dressings) that is in contact with Meltrim Cream catches fire and burns easily. If you have a sulfite allergy, asthma, liver or kidney disease, eczema (itchy, swelling of the skin) or any other skin condition, inform your doctor before taking Meltrim Cream. Also, inform your doctor about all your ongoing medications, including prescription and non-prescription medications. Speak to your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using Meltrim Cream for 2 months. Avoid applying Meltrim Cream on lips or inside nose or mouth as Meltrim Cream may cause numbness in these areas. Stop using Meltrim Cream and contact your doctor immediately if you have severe skin redness, burning, stinging, blue or black discolouration of the skin, severe skin dryness, cracking or bleeding.

Drug-Drug Interaction: Meltrim Cream may interact with photosensitizing agents (aminolevulinic acid, porfirmer, verteporfin), topical antibiotics (benzoyl peroxide), retinoids (isotretinoin), antiseptic (resorcinol), keratolytic agents (salicylic acid, sulfur).

Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found.

Drug-Disease Interaction: Sulfite allergy, asthma, eczema (itchy, swelling of the skin) or any other skin condition, liver or kidney disease.

• AMINOLEVULINIC ACID
• PORFIRMER
• VERTEPORFIN
• BENZOYL PEROXIDE
• ISOTRETINOIN
• RESORCINOL
• SALICYCLIC ACID
• SULFUR

• Avoid sun exposure while using Meltrim Cream as it may make the 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 cause irritation, such as skin cleansers or shampoos, harsh soaps, hair removers or waxes, hair colours or permanent chemicals, and skin products with astringents, lime, spices or alcohol.

• Avoid using Meltrim Cream for more than 6-8 weeks without a doctor’s advice.
• Please consult a dermatologist if the skin condition does not improve after 2 months of treatment with Meltrim Cream.
• Do not take Meltrim Cream by mouth. Meltrim Cream is for use only on the skin (topical use). Accidently if Meltrim Cream gets in your eyes or mouth, immediately rinse with cold water.
• Do not take Meltrim Cream if you allergic sulfa containing medicines and have asthma. It is better to contact a doctor in these conditions and take Meltrim 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 mainly 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 in men. It may occur in pregnant women due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and is called a ‘mask of pregnancy’ and fades away after pregnancy on its own or after stopping the usage of contraceptive pills. It can be treated using skin-lightening creams, topical steroids, dermabrasion or chemical peels.