Melalite 15 Cream 30GM (Hydroquinone)

Melalite 15 Cream 30GM is Abbott India's hydroquinone cream, 0.15, in a tube of 30gm. Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that lowers melanin production, used for dark patches of skin.

Hydroquinone cream is prescribed for melasma, age spots, freckles and post-inflammatory dark marks, where it fades the patches over weeks to months.

Hydroquinone blocks tyrosinase, the enzyme the pigment cells use to make melanin. With less melanin made, existing dark patches fade as the skin renews itself. It does not bleach normal skin permanently, and the pigment comes back with sun exposure if it is not protected.

A thin layer is applied to the dark patches only, once or twice a day, as directed, after cleansing. Strengths of 2% and 4% are used, and treatment is usually limited to three to six months at a time with breaks. Follow your prescription and the pack leaflet.

• Redness, dryness and mild irritation or stinging.n- Contact allergy in some people.n- Temporary lightening of the surrounding skin if applied beyond the patch.n- With long or high-strength use, ochronosis: a bluish-black darkening of the skin that is hard to reverse.

Test a small area first. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, because sun undoes the effect. Do not use for long periods or on large areas, and do not use during pregnancy unless your doctor says so. Keep it away from the eyes and mouth, and stop and ask your doctor if the skin darkens or becomes very irritated. Hydroquinone is restricted or banned in cosmetics in some countries, so check your own rules.