Triluma cream is the only FDA-approved melasma treatment with three active ingredients, uniquely combined and more effective than treatments containing only two ingredients. It is a triple-combination topical therapy for the short-term treatment of dark spots associated with moderate to severe facial melasma.
- Fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%- It is a mild corticosteroid that reduces inflammation.
- Hydroquinone 4%- It is a depigmenting agent that interrupts the formation of melanin (pigment) to help lighten the skin.
- Tretinoin 0.05% increases the skin cell turnover rate, which helps exfoliate the skin.
The triple combination medicine should always be used with sun-protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing. Regular use of Tri-Luma cream may improve the appearance of melasma, but it is not a cure. Keep reading to learn almost everything you know about using Triluma cream.
What to expect from Triluma cream
Melasma is a common hyperpigmentation disorder affecting the face and associated with considerable psychological impacts. Its management is challenging and requires a long treatment plan. Therapeutic goals for hyperpigmentation include destroying melanosomes, inhibiting melanocyte formation, and delaying melanocyte spread.
Hydroquinone is a commonly prescribed topical therapy for melasma, but it is often combined with other medications due to its lower effectiveness as monotherapy and relapse. Combining hydroquinone, tretinoin, and topical steroids can provide better therapeutic outcomes and be tolerated by patients. Hydroquinone is the main treatment for melasma, but it is relatively ineffective as monotherapy, and recurrences are common. The whitening effect of hydroquinone is seen after 2 to 3 weeks of daily use. However, the desired effects take longer.
How to apply tri-luma cream
Tri-Luma cream should always be used as instructed by the dermatologist. Follow the tips below to use the topical medications:
- Apply the cream at night, at least half an hour before bedtime.
- Gently wash your face with a mild cleanser. Rinse and pat your skin dry.
- Put a pea-sized amount or half an inch or less on your fingertip. Apply a thin coat onto the discoloured spots.
- After you have used the topical medicine for a while, you may find that you need slightly less to do the job.
- Rub the medicine uniformly into the skin. This way, the medicine should become invisible almost once. If you can still see, you are using too much.
- Keep the topical medicine away from the corners of your nose, eyes, and mouth, as well as from open wounds. Spread away from these areas when applying for medicine.
- Please do not use this medication or apply it more often than your doctor recommends. Too much of this medicine may irritate your skin and not give you faster or better results.
- Do not cover the treated area with anything after applying this triple combination formulation.
- While using Triluma, you may experience dryness, burning, peeling, itching, or other skin irritation. If your skin gets too irritated, discontinue using the cream and inform your doctor. The triple combination cream may also cause a gradual blue-black darkening of your skin; if this happens, discontinue therapy immediately and talk to your doctor. To help prevent skin dryness, you may need to use a moisturiser in the morning after washing your face.
- You may also use other cosmetics during the day.
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and a wide-brimmed hat over the treated areas. Melasma requires only a small amount of sunlight, not just a sunburn, to worsen. If you get sunburned, discontinue Triluma cream until your skin heals. After treatment discontinuation, continue to protect your skin from sunlight.
Only your dermatologist knows which other medicines may be helpful during treatment and will inform you if required. Please do not use other medicines unless your dermatologist approves them.
Conclusion
Triluma is a combination of fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%, and tretinoin 0.05%, indicated for the short-term treatment of moderate-to-severe facial melasma when used with sun-avoidance measures, including sunscreens. Hydroquinone may cause gradual blue-black darkening of the skin; therefore, it should be used under the supervision of a dermatologist. Triluma cream, when used appropriately, helps fade the appearance of dark spots and melasma patches.
