Macedo FS, Kaminsky SK, Bagatin E, Hassun KM, Talarico S

Language: English
References: 30
Page: 11-16
PDF size: 249.50 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Melasma is a common acquired pigmentation disturbance, found mainly in women and located generally in those areas of the face most subject to sun exposure. Photoprotection and depigmenting agents, such as hydroquinone, are used in order to lighten the marks. There is, however, some controversy regarding the use of chemical peelings in the treatment of melasma.
To compare the efficacy of a depigmenting cream plus sunprotector alone to this same approach in combination with 70% glycolic acid peelings in the treatment of melasma.
Eight female patients participated in a split-face prospective study that lasted seven months. During the first month they were oriented to only use a cream containing 10% glycolic acid and 4% hydroquinone as well as sun protector, on both sides of the face. A sequence of 4 peelings using 70% glycolic acid were then applied to one side of the face while only the peeling vehicle was applied to the other side. After 30 days, the application of the peelings and placebo was repeated on inverse sides of the face. The treatment was evaluated using clinical pictures assessed by 3 independent dermatologists.
Most of the patients showed improvement in their melasma with the use of the 10% glycolic acid and 4% hydroquinone cream together with adequate sun protection. The application of 70% glycolic acid peelings did not result in lightening of the melasma, and the inversion of the sides receiving peelings or placebo confirmed this result.
The use of 10% glycolic acid and 4% hydroquinone cream together with adequate sun protection is effective in the treatment of melasma. The application of 70% glycolic acid peelings did not produce additional improvement in the lightening of the affected skin.

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