Can I use safely use Tri-Luma for my melasma while on Accutane?

Doctor's Answers 2

Hello and thank you for your question. Triluma is a strong lightening cream consisting of a steroid cream, the lightening agent hydroquinone and tretinoin 0.05%.

As accutane consists of isotretinoin which is in the same family of drugs as tretinoin, there is a risk that you may develop irritation of the skin when both are used together.

If your accutane dose is fairly low (20mg or less), you can try using very small amounts of the Triluma over the melasma area. If your skin is not too sensitive, you may just be lucky enough use both together.

Best regards

Dr Stephanie H

Hello and thank you for your question. Triluma is a strong lightening cream consisting of a steroid cream, the lightening agent hydroquinone and tretinoin 0.05%.

As accutane consists of isotretinoin which is in the same family of drugs as tretinoin, there is a risk that you may develop irritation of the skin when both are used together.

If your accutane dose is fairly low (20mg or less), you can try using very small amounts of the Triluma over the melasma area. If your skin is not too sensitive, you may just be lucky enough use both together.

Best regards

Dr Stephanie H

Similar Questions

What is the next step for stubborn melasma that has not responded to treatments like Tri-Luma, hydroquinone and oral tranexamic acid?

Hi, Stubborn melasma that has not responded to standard treatments such as Tri-luma, hydroquinone and oral tranexamic acid pose a challenge to even the most experienced of doctors. The following strategies may be employed: 1) Re-evaluate to exclude mimics of melasma such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, ochronosis and lichen planus pigmentosus. These other forms of facial pigmentation may resemble melasma and require totally different treatment strategies. 2) Consider the use of alternative topical lightening agents such as azelaic acid, arbutin, etc.

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Dr Chin Yee Choong

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Is retacnyl, laser treatments or chemical peels more effective for eliminating acne scars?

Hi Aaron – I completely agree with whatever your doctor has done. I had asked about accutane but my doctor was hesitant in prescribing to me due to my history with depression. I’d err on the side of caution as well, as depression, although rare, is one of the side effects of accutane. Moreover, you described your acne as mild so accutane would be an overkill. My dermatologist said that the retacnyl will help to clear my acne(very few) and my dark spots and mild acne scars. Would it actually help to eliminate my acne scars?

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