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Is Glycomet Effective In Treatment Of Hyper Pigmentation?

Posted on Wed, 26 Aug 2015

Question: I have hyper pigmentation & doctor has asked me to take Glycomet 500 S.R.

Can I know why this ablet ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Glycomet can help if pigmentation is due to acanthosis nigricans

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

Glycomet-SR is Metformin.
The reason your doctor has asked you to take this for pigmentation is because probably your doctor considers that the dark patches/ pigmentation is acanthosis nigricans. Acanthosis nigricans is velvet like thickening and darkening of skin and is due to underlying insulin resistance in many individuals.
Metformin reduces this insulin resistance state and therefore is supposed to be helpful in reducing acanthosis/ skin darkening.

I can see that I have answered one of your previous queries too regarding black patches at angles of mouth and chin (as visible in pic).
Is it the same condition which you are talking about here ?? though I had suspected FDE rather than acanthosis at that time. I had then asked you to use a cream containing a combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin and mometasone. Did you use this combination??
I can see that you have tried desonide lotion. What is the response to this??
Previously, you were using Elocon cream but you complained that the patches used to recur once you stopped this cream, right??

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (9 minutes later)

Yes doctor its a same case.

Sorry but i didn't use any of your said medicine.

I m using desonide lotion from last 10 days twice a day.

I can see little improvement in terms of lightening the patch & no itchyness.

I stopped using Elocon long back as there was no improvement. Even current doctor was also prescribing me Elcon only but i told not to as its not usefull anymore.

please also advise glycomet should be taken before breakfast & dinner or after.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A kojic acid based cream, Glycomet and Vit B 12 supplement

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Desonide and elocon are both topical steroids. Steroids would improve pigmentation but only for as long as you use it.
Moreover, steroids are not safe for long term Or regular use on face. They can cause side effects like skin thinning and acne/ rosacea if used on face over long periods of time.
Anyways, desowen is milder than elocon and therefore safer as compared to elocon.
In my view you should use a cream which is safe yet effective e.g Kojic acid based cream i.e Kojic cream Or Golite cream, twice daily. It is safe and effective.
Glycomet tablet can be taken right after meals. In addition to Glycomet I would also like to start you on Vitamin B 12 supplement once daily e.g Mecobal plus tablet once daily.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (5 minutes later)

Thank you doctor..

If i use Kojic cream Or Golite cream, than i have to stop using desonide lotion right.

One more query Vitamin B or Glycomet tablet are not responsible for constipation ?

Regards

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I won't advice desonide for more than 2-3 weeks on face

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I won't suggest desonide lotion on face for more than 2-3 weeks. You may substitute it with a kojic acid based cream.
Vitamin B-12 supplement (Mecobal plus) and Metformin (Glycomet) do not cause constipation.
These are prescription medications and I suggest that you take these medications under supervision and after consenting with your doctor.

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar