Hhlite Cream

HHLite cream is a combination medicine used for the treatment and prevention of moderate-to-severe Melasma (dark and discoloured patches on the skin) and Senile Lentigines (dark spots or age spots in older people due to exposure to the sun). Melasma is a condition where the skin develops brown or blue-grey patches on the face, which may be due to hormonal changes or exposure to the sun. This medicine lightens the skin tone or its appearance.

HHLite cream contains a combination of three medicines - mometasone, tretinoin and hydroquinone as its active ingredients. Do not use it for a prolonged duration unless, prescribed by your dermatologist, as it contains a steroid. Avoid using this cream near eyes or contact with this cream.

If it comes in contact with the eyes, rinse them immediately. Wash your hands before and after applying this cream. Avoid sun exposure immediately after applying for this medicine.

Use this medicine exactly as instructed by the doctor.

Dosage

Overdose

As this medicine is for external application only, cases of overdose are unlikely. However, upon accidental ingestion, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital. If you have overapplied it, then wipe out the excess medicine with tissue or cotton. Excessive use for a prolonged duration is not advisable as it can lead to hormonal issues.

Missed a Dose

If you have missed the application of this medicine, then apply it as soon as possible. Do not overapply with this cream to compensate for the missed application.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• HHLite cream contains a combination of Mometasone, Tretinoin and Hydroquinone as active ingredients and works by the combined action of these three components.
• Hydroquinone inhibits an enzyme known as tyrosinase, which is responsible for the production of a pigment called melanin. Melanin is responsible for skin pigmentation and melasma.
• Tretinoin is a metabolite of Vitamin A and is keratolytic. It is responsible for the elimination of melanin that has been formed. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Mometasone is a corticosteroid and it works by blocking the production of inflammatory chemicals like prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Mometasone narrows and constricts blood vessels, which are dilated (widened) and leaky and allowing other inflammatory cells into the skin to promote the inflammatory response.

Directions for Use

• Use this medicine as directed by your doctor.
• Apply it on a healthy skin surface. Avoid applying on cuts and wounds.
• Wash your hands before and after using this medicine unless your hands are the area to be treated.
• If your eyes come in contact with this cream, then rinse your eyes with clean water immediately.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I apply HHLite cream during pregnancy?

HHlite cream is not recommended during pregnancy as there is limited information about the effects during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor before using this medicine.

Breast Feeding

Can I apply HHLite cream while breastfeeding?

It is unknown if the components of HHlite cream pass in breast milk and there are no establishments of its safety in breastfeeding women. Thus, it is not recommended to use if you are breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have applied HHLite cream?

HHlite cream is a topical preparation and may not affect your driving ability or ability to handle machinery.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with HHLite cream?

It is unknown if components of this medicine interact with alcohol. However, you should avoid using alcohol as it can delay the body's response to infection.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have a history of allergic reactions after the application of topical creams.
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You think rashes or infections have developed on the skin after using this medicine.
• Avoid contact with eyes, mouth or nose. If it occurs wipe or wash it off immediately.
• You should avoid being exposed to direct sunlight, after applying this cream, to reduce the chances of photosensitization (which means skin damage due to UV or sunlight). Try to use good sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and full clothes to avoid exposure.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to mometasone, tretinoin and hydroquinone or any other ingredients of HHLite cream.
• If you have skin conditions such as eczema (infected skin due to allergy), rosacea (small red pustules on face), rashes around the mouth (perioral dermatitis) or damaged skin anywhere in the body.
• If you have a viral or fungal infection of the skin, any ulcers on the skin or tuberculosis.
• If you need exposure to the sun for prolonged periods (using sunscreen lotion is advisable).
• If you have a skin tumour or a family history of skin tumour.

Side effects

• Itching, redness, burning, irritation, thinning of the skin
• Skin sensitivity at the site of application

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• There is limited information available on the interaction of HHlite cream with other medicines. However, as it contains a combination of mometasone, tretinoin and hydroquinone, any interactions which may be seen with these three components, when taken alone may occur with this combination.
• Since this medicine is to be used externally on the skin, it is less likely to interact with other medicines. However, always consult your doctor if you are taking other medicines for treating other health conditions.
• You should always tell the doctor if you are taking any other medicines, herbal preparation and supplements to avoid interaction with HHLite cream.

Storage and disposal

• Store this medicine in the original container in a clean and dry place, protected from moisture, sunlight and heat.
• Keep the medicine away from children and pets.
• Do not freeze.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How should I use HHLite cream?

• Apply it gently as a thin film and rub or massage it thoroughly after applying until the cream absorbs into the skin.
• Exposure to the sun should be avoided and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent the sun's radiation from reaching your skin.
• Do not use this cream more than as advised by the doctor. This cream should not be used for a prolonged duration to avoid side effects such as skin thinning, irritation.

What are the precautions to be taken while applying HHLite cream?

• Do not apply anywhere near the eyes, nose, mouth or any infected or exposed surfaces.
• Do not occlude (applying a polythene film) after applying this cream or use it under bandages.
• Limit sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen while going out in the sun to avoid damage to the skin by radiations.
• You should cover the areas of skin where this medicine is applied when outdoors.

What is melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition characterised by dark spots or pigmentation (excessive production of melanin) on the skin. It appears as greyish brown to brown patches on the face. It usually occurs on the face, involving cheeks, forehead, lower eyelids, upper lip and nose.

What are the causes of melasma?

The exact cause of melasma is not known. Pregnancy, birth control pills, hormonal changes, exposure to sunlight (UV rays), hypothyroidism or a family history of melasma are believed to be some common triggers for melasma.

Can I use HHLite cream for acne and pimples?

No, HHLite cream does not have any action against acne and pimples and thus should not be used for treating such skin disorders.

How does HHLite cream work?

HHLite cream works by reducing the formation of a pigment called melanin responsible for dark spots. It also helps in improving the spots on the skin and reduces swelling, redness and itching.

Is this medicine good for the face?

Yes, it is good for the skin of the face, which is the usual area affected by melasma.

Does HHLite cream reduce pigmentation?

Yes, HHLite cream is used to treat moderate-to-severe melasma (dark and discoloured patches on the skin). It is used to lighten the skin tone or appearance, especially when there is dark pigmentation.

What is the side effects of HHlite cream?

Irritation, itching, burning sensation, skin thinning, skin sensitivity at the site of application are a few common side effects that can be observed during the treatment. However, these symptoms are usually short-lived and disappear on their own.