Use
Demelan Cream is indicated in the topical treatment of the following conditions:
- Post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation - a discolouration that is left on the skin after an underlying skin disease has healed.
- Hyper-melanotic conditions - excessive skin pigmentation that may come from a metabolic imbalance or exposure to light, chemicals or other substances.
- Melasma - cosmetic discolouration which mostly affect women, especially pregnant women and those who are taking oral or patch contraceptives. However Melasma can affect anyone.
Other Conditions Treated
The active ingredients have been reported in the use of lightening skin pigmentation.
Dosage and Administration
Thoroughly wash your hands and apply a thin layer of the cream once or twice daily to the affected area(s); if your health care provider prescribes a different dosage, or other directions, adhere to your health care provider's instructions. It is preferable to apply Demelan at night.
Avoid the sun, and use a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF; the sunscreen should have both UVA and UVB protection. Wear sun-protective clothing and avoid scented cosmetics for facial cleansing or scented make-up. Continue to do this for a week after treatment has stopped.
If local irritation occurs, you can decrease the dosing frequency temporarily, then increase it gradually to the prescribed dosage.
The course of treatment may require several months. Continue as directed by your health care provider.
Demelan use in paediatric and geriatric patients has not been tested; consult your health care provider before using this cream if the patient falls into either of category.
As will all medications, talk to your medical provided prior to beginning any treatments.
Side Effects
In general, Demelan Cream is well tolerated, but there have been reports of adverse reactions. These include:
- Irritant contact dermatitis
- Erythema
- Burning
- Pigmentary changes
- Skin peeling
- Occasional photo-sensitivity has also been reported with kojic and glycolic acids.
As with all medications, if you experience any side effect not listed, or that becomes bothersome, contact your health care provider.
Warnings and Precautions
Avoid getting the cream in or near the eyes or mouth. If skin irritation occurs, wash the area with water and consult your health care provider.
Do not use Demelan over broken or abraded (scraped) skin, or mucous membranes.
Kojic acid tens to oxidise, so ensure that the tube is tightly closed immediately after use. If the medication turns brown, discard the cream.
Demelan Cream is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to any of its ingredients.
For further details, refer to the patient information leaflet, and consult your medical practitioner. |
