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What Redness Of Skin And Peeling After Using Melas Skin Cream?

Posted on Mon, 9 Jun 2014

Question: I have been using melas skin cream by XXXXXXX pharmaceuticals for for around 3months. I did not consult any dermatologist for using the cream. I have an acne prone oily skin,and have dark marks left by acne on my cheeks. After 2-3 days of applying it, my skin became very red but,i thought that it's just the cream working. Later my skin started to peel off. Again i thought it's just the cream doing it's job. A fresh layer will come up. My skin became fair, and the marks reduced and skin also became very dry. When i applied a mousturiser,the skin peeling did not show that much. But now, my marks are looking more red and prominent and my skin is still peeling. I have been using the cream daily. Now when i looked for the side effects and all that i got confused. On this site itself, some doctors are saying its herbal and can be used safely for acne and acne scars and causes peeling, some are saying that it contains potent steroinds that are not to be used for acne and if peeling occurs,stop the use. I don't know what to do now! Should i stop using the cream?if so,what should i do about the redness and peeling skin. If not,what measures should i take to use the cream to my benefit?

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Stop using the cream; Consult a dermatologist

Detailed Answer:
hello there.
Firstly, the opinions you have received are conflicting. If the cream you allude to is 'herbal', then one can never be certain of its contents. Second, if you have developed a 'redness' consistently while using it, it is most probably causing an irritant or contact dermatitis (skin reaction) that is most probably aggravated by the presence of some sort of 'hydroquinone' in the product.
Please do use a face cleanser called Cetaphil for cleansing; stop all other products. cetaphil is said to have a built-in moisturizer that if left on your skin will help. Avoid going out unprotected in direct sunlight & ensure the skin is protected from XXXXXXX till dusk even if cloudy with a suitable sunscreen. I would recommend a Sebamed Sunscreen cum Moisturiser applied topically 20mts before stepping out & reapplied every 3-4 hours & if the face is washed or excessive sweating occurs & present on your face from XXXXXXX till dusk.
I recommend using this HCM site to source out a dermatologist near you & get his/her opinion on what is a good pigment lightening agent (preferably one that does not contain any hydroquinone)
Good Luck & wish you a clear complexion soon...
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD
Dermatologist/Cosmetologist, XXXXXXX Hospital, XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (2 hours later)

I was about to use 'neutrogena oil free moisture for combination skin' to take care of the peeling skin, can i use it when at home, and at night? And which sebamed sunscreen should i use?can you give me the specific name and spf? I cannot visit a dermatologist that is why i have paid and asked for the answer....if you want me to visit a dermatologist,that will mean that you have not helped me solve my problem completely. So please help me.

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Sebamed sunscreen for 'sensitive skin' with SPF50

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Yes you may try the Neutrogena oil free moisturiser.
Sebamed has a range of sunscreens. You may pick one with an SPF factor anywhere between 30-50. with a built in moisturiser.
I empathise with your concerns as regards visiting a dermatologist.
Could you please then, post a clear digital image of the affected areas for best results? The reason I advocate a 'visual' is because pigmentation is one of the most difficult conditions to treat even in experienced hands & the depth of pigmentation needs be assessed. Still, do put up a clear digital image of the area & will try to give you a further suggestion once the peeling & redness have subsided.
Good Luck.

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. Vinay Bhardwaj