Dr. Jeanine Downie discusses using a non-hydroquinone cysteamine topical to treat pigmentation disorders, how it compares with hydroquinone, and appropriate application sites.
Cysteamine cream (Cyspera, Scientis Pharma, Geneva, Switzerland) is a non-hydroquinone depigmenting topical agent used in the treatment of pigmentation disorders, including melasma. As an early adopter, board-certified dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD, Montclair, N.J., talks in detail with The Dermatology Digest about how it compares with hydroquinone, using the two drugs together, and face and body application sites.
As a naturally occurring biological compound, cysteamine regulates melanin synthesis in the skin and can be used to reduce the excess melanin responsible for brown spots and other pigmented marks. According to the manufacturer, Cyspera is the first topical pigment corrector formulated with cysteamine.
Dr. Downie offers these tips for treatment success with Cyspera:
- It can be used to treat melasma and hyperpigmentation from head to toe.
- It is safe to use cysteamine and hydroquinone together.
- Warn your patients that it smells unpleasant (like sulfur).
- Use cysteamine cream on unwashed skin to minimize sensitivity.
- Use product gradually and build up to longer time periods and number of application days, as necessary.
- When treating melasma, avoid foods with inflammatory properties, including soy, peanuts, corn, gluten and sugar; and avoid smoking or vaping tobacco or marijuana.
Overall, “People need to… take a global health approach to their melasma if they want it to get better,” says Dr. Downie. “ I think cysteamine, or Cyspera, is an excellent option that can really help to move you along.”
Dr. Jeanine Downie is a board-certified dermatologist in private practice at Image Dermatology in Montclair, N.J.
