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Written By Veda Maddala , M Pharmacy
Reviewed By Dr Aneela Siddabathuni , MPharma., PhD
Last Updated Oct 9, 2024 | 12:38 PM IST
Melacare-HC Cream is used to treat melasma (a type of skin problem). It works by decreasing the amount of melanin, promoting cell renewal and inhibiting the release of certain chemical messengers in the body that cause redness, itching, and swelling. In some cases, this medicine may cause side effects such as burning, itching, or stinging sensation of the skin. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen while going out to protect your skin from sunburn.
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Manufacturer/Marketer

Ajanta Pharma Ltd

Consume Type

TOPICAL

Return Policy

Not Returnable

Expires on or after

Apr-26

About Melacare-HC Cream

Melacare-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.

Melacare-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.

Melacare-HC Cream is only for external use. Use Melacare-HC Cream as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to use Melacare-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 Melacare-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 Melacare-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 Melacare-HC Cream. Melacare-HC Cream is not recommended for children below 10 years of age. Do not apply Melacare-HC Cream on open wounds, dry, sunburned, windburned, chapped, or irritated skin. Avoid sun exposure while using Melacare-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 Melacare-HC Cream has dried completely on your skin, and do not use Melacare-HC Cream near open flame or high heat as it is flammable.

Uses of Melacare-HC Cream

Treatment of Melasma

Medicinal Benefits

Melacare-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, Melacare-HC Cream reduces dark spots on the skin and provides relief from itching, redness and swelling.

Directions for Use

Melacare-HC Cream is only for external use. Wash the face with mild soap and pat the skin dry. Take a small amount of Melacare-HC Cream on the fingertip and apply on the clean and dry affected area as advised by your doctor. Avoid contact of Melacare-HC Cream with nose, mouth, eyes, ears or vagina. In case Melacare-HC Cream comes in contact with these areas accidentally, rinse with water thoroughly.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of Melacare-HC Cream

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

Drug Warnings

If you are allergic to Melacare-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 Melacare-HC Cream. Melacare-HC Cream is not recommended for children below 10 years of age. Do not apply Melacare-HC Cream on open wounds, dry, sunburned, windburned, chapped, or irritated skin. Avoid sun exposure while using Melacare-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 Melacare-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 Melacare-HC Cream has dried completely on your skin and do not use Melacare-HC Cream near open flame or high heat as it is flammable.

Drug Interactions

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

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List

  • BENZOYL PEROXIDE

Habit Forming

No

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Avoid sun exposure while using Melacare-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.

Special Advise

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

Disease/Condition Glossary

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.

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Alcohol

Caution

The interaction of alcohol with Melacare-HC Cream is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Melacare-HC Cream.

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Pregnancy

Caution

Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Melacare-HC Cream is given to a pregnant woman only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.

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Breast Feeding

Caution

It is unknown whether Melacare-HC Cream is excreted in human milk. Please consult a doctor before using Melacare-HC Cream while breastfeeding.

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Driving

Safe if prescribed

Melacare-HC Cream usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

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Liver

Caution

If you have any concerns regarding the use of Melacare-HC Cream in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.

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Kidney

Caution

If you have any concerns regarding the use of Melacare-HC Cream in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.

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Children

Caution

Melacare-HC Cream is not recommended for children below 10 years of age as the safety and effectiveness were not established.

Country of origin

INDIA

Manufacturer/Marketer address

Ajanta House, Charkop, Kandivli West, Mumbai 400 067, India.
Other Info - MEL0095

Author Details

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FAQs

Melacare-HC Cream contains 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 works by decreasing the amount of melanin (a skin pigment) that is responsible for the darkening of the skin. Tretinoin works by increasing the renewal of skin cells which helps in the natural exfoliation of the skin’s outer layers.
Melacare-HC Cream may cause skin irritation, burning sensation or itching at the site of application. However, if the irritation persists or worsens, stop using Melacare-HC Cream and consult a doctor.
Melacare-HC Cream may increase the skin sensitivity to sunlight in the treated areas. Therefore, avoid or limit exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. You are advised to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing while going out to prevent sunburn.
You are advised to use moisturizer in the morning every day to restore the fat barrier of the skin that protects the skin from damage. Melacare-HC Cream may make skin more sensitive to extreme weather conditions such as cold and wind. Therefore, wear protective clothing and use moisturizer as required. However, please consult a doctor before using moisturizing lotions or any other products with Melacare-HC Cream.
You are not recommended to use Melacare-HC Cream with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide or any other peroxide products as it may cause staining of the skin which can be usually removed with soap and water. However, please consult a doctor before using Melacare-HC Cream with other medicines.
You are not recommended to stop using Melacare-HC Cream without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the condition or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Melacare-HC Cream for as long as your doctor has prescribed it and if you experience any difficulty while taking Melacare-HC Cream, please consult your doctor.

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