Which prescription creams may be used for melasma?

Prescription melasma care may use one medicine or a combination. Hydroquinone reduces pigment production. Tretinoin affects how skin cells renew. Azelaic acid may help with uneven pigment. Some combination creams also contain a corticosteroid, which needs careful limits because extended use can cause skin problems. Results vary.

Not every option is appropriate for every person. Your skin's sensitivity, past treatments, other medicines, and pregnancy or breastfeeding status all matter. Some uses are off-label, meaning a medicine is prescribed for a purpose outside its FDA-approved labeling. Your physician should explain the intended use and risks.

If a compounded medication is prescribed, it is prepared by a licensed pharmacy for one patient and is not FDA-approved. The FDA does not review compounded medications for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they are marketed.

A licensed physician in your state decides whether treatment is appropriate. Follow the specific directions on your prescription rather than borrowing another person's routine. Do not add extra lightening creams or use treatment longer than directed without checking with your physician.