Melacare Forte Cream is a prescription-strength topical used to help fade stubborn areas of hyperpigmentation. It commonly contains a triple combination of active ingredients—hydroquinone (a melanin synthesis inhibitor), tretinoin (a retinoid that boosts cell turnover), and a topical corticosteroid (to calm inflammation and improve tolerability). This synergy can accelerate visible improvement when other depigmenting products have fallen short.
Common uses of Melacare Forte Cream for melasma and dark spots
Melacare Forte Cream is most often prescribed for facial melasma, a chronic pigmentary disorder characterized by symmetric brown patches on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and jawline. It is also used in select cases of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) following acne, eczema, minor procedures, or sun exposure. By inhibiting tyrosinase (hydroquinone), accelerating keratinocyte turnover (tretinoin), and controlling micro-inflammation (corticosteroid), the cream targets multiple drivers of pigment formation and persistence.
While results vary, many users notice gradual lightening over 6–8 weeks when the medication is paired with rigorous daily sun protection and trigger avoidance (heat, UV, visible light). It is not designed for generalized “skin lightening,” under-eye use, or continuous year-round application. After achieving improvement, clinicians often transition patients to a maintenance plan using non-steroidal agents (such as azelaic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C) alongside sunscreen to sustain gains and lower relapse risk.
Dosage and directions: how to apply Melacare Forte Cream safely
Use only as directed by your clinician. As a general guide for facial melasma, cleanse in the evening with a gentle, non-foaming cleanser, pat dry completely, then apply a very thin, pea-sized amount for the entire treatment area (not a pea per spot). Dab small dots over the affected patches and spread into a thin film. Avoid the eyelids, corners of the eyes, nostrils, and lips. Wash hands after application. Begin with once nightly use. If you have sensitive skin, start every other night for the first 1–2 weeks, then increase as tolerated.
Limit use to the smallest area necessary, and avoid “spot stacking” or layering extra product on darker patches—this increases irritation and paradoxical discoloration risk. In the morning, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 (or higher) sunscreen liberally and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors. Photoprotection is non-negotiable; UV and visible light can rapidly undo progress. Typical treatment courses last 6–8 weeks, not exceeding 12 weeks without reassessment. Many clinicians recommend cycling off to non-steroidal maintenance and reserving Melacare Forte for short, supervised bursts if melasma relapses.
Precautions before using Melacare Forte Cream
Patch test first: apply a small amount to the jawline or behind the ear once nightly for 3 nights. If no excessive redness, burning, or swelling occurs, proceed as directed. Always use strict sun protection, hats, and shade-seeking. Avoid other potentially irritating products on treatment nights—scrubs, alcohol-based toners, chemical peels, waxing, depilatories, benzoyl peroxide directly layered with tretinoin, or high-strength AHAs/BHAs. If dryness or irritation occurs, use a bland, fragrance-free moisturizer 10–20 minutes after applying the cream, or sandwich with moisturizer (apply moisturizer, then a thin layer of Melacare Forte, then moisturizer again) if needed for comfort.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety data for hydroquinone and topical tretinoin in pregnancy are limited; many clinicians avoid triple-combination creams in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Discuss family planning and timing with your healthcare provider. Do not use on broken, eczematous, or sunburned skin. Do not occlude with dressings. If you have a history of steroid-related skin thinning, glaucoma/cataracts, or perioral dermatitis, review risks with your clinician before use. People with darker skin tones can benefit from triple therapy but must be especially diligent with sun protection and medical oversight to reduce the risk of hypopigmentation or ochronosis from misuse.
Contraindications to Melacare Forte triple combination
Do not use if you are allergic to hydroquinone, tretinoin, or any corticosteroid, or to any excipient in the formulation. Avoid use on inflamed rosacea, active dermatitis, or infected skin. Pediatric use is generally not recommended. Exercise caution with photosensitivity disorders or if you are using systemic photosensitizing medications. In the U.S., only a specific fluocinolone/tretinoin/hydroquinone triple combination has FDA approval; Melacare Forte formulations marketed abroad may not be FDA-approved, and U.S. clinicians may recommend alternatives or compounded formulations where appropriate.
Possible side effects of Melacare Forte (hydroquinone, tretinoin, corticosteroid)
Common, usually temporary effects include mild burning or stinging after application, redness, dryness, peeling, and a tight or itchy feel. These often improve with moisturizer support, spacing applications (every other night), or brief “rest” nights. If irritation persists or worsens, pause use and contact your prescriber. Tretinoin increases photosensitivity—sun protection is essential. Hydroquinone, particularly with prolonged or unsupervised use, may rarely cause exogenous ochronosis (bluish-black discoloration) and hypopigmentation—risks rise with chronic, high-frequency, or large-area application.
Topical corticosteroid overuse can cause skin atrophy (thinning), telangiectasia, striae, acneiform eruptions, perioral dermatitis, and delayed wound healing. Application near the eyes may increase risk of ocular side effects when misused. Systemic absorption is minimal when used as directed on small facial areas for limited durations, but misuse over large areas, under occlusion, or for extended periods can increase risks, including suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Seek medical advice if you experience severe irritation, significant color change, swelling, blistering, or any unexpected reaction.
Drug interactions and products to avoid with Melacare Forte
To minimize irritation and preserve efficacy, avoid simultaneous use on the same night with benzoyl peroxide (can inactivate tretinoin if layered together), high-percentage AHAs/BHAs, retinoids, astringent toners, abrasive scrubs, or recent in-office peels/laser unless advised by your dermatologist. If you use benzoyl peroxide for acne, separate by time (e.g., benzoyl peroxide in the morning, Melacare Forte at night) and rinse thoroughly before layering other products. Photosensitizing medications (e.g., certain antibiotics, diuretics, retinoids) may increase sunburn risk; intensify sun protection. Do not combine with other topical steroids or hydroquinone creams unless specifically directed.
Missed dose: what to do with Melacare Forte Cream
If you forget a nighttime application, apply when remembered the same evening. If it’s already near morning, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule the next night. Do not double-apply or “make up” doses—this raises irritation risk without improving outcomes.
Overdose and misuse risks with Melacare Forte Cream
Accidental over-application can cause significant irritation, dermatitis, rebound hyperpigmentation, and steroid-related skin changes. Do not apply to large body areas, do not occlude, and do not exceed prescribed duration. Systemic toxicity from topical use is unlikely when applied correctly, but chronic misuse can lead to complications that may require medical care. If the product is swallowed or used extensively on compromised skin, contact your local poison control center or seek urgent care, especially in children.
Storage and handling of Melacare Forte Cream
Store tightly capped at room temperature (typically 20–25°C/68–77°F), away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use past the labeled expiration date. To maintain stability, avoid leaving the tube in a hot car or steamy bathroom; keep it in a cool, dry cabinet.
U.S. sale and prescription policy for Melacare Forte Cream
In the United States, triple-combination creams containing hydroquinone and tretinoin are prescription medications. While a specific fluocinolone/hydroquinone/tretinoin product has FDA approval for melasma, many international formulations of Melacare Forte are not FDA-approved for U.S. sale. U.S. regulations require a valid prescription issued by a licensed clinician to dispense these agents. Importing or purchasing such products without proper medical oversight is not advised and may be unlawful.
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Las Vegas offers a legal, structured pathway to buy Melacare Forte Cream without a prior prescription on hand. Through a compliant process, your information is reviewed by a licensed U.S. clinician who, when appropriate, issues a prescription that the pharmacy fulfills—so you can obtain the medication safely without having to supply an existing prescription. This model preserves medical oversight and regulatory compliance while providing convenient access, transparent pricing, and discreet delivery. Always confirm the exact formulation, follow clinician instructions, and pair treatment with daily photoprotection for best results.
