Zaky MS, Obaid ZM, Khalil EA, Elsaie ML. Microneedling-assisted topical tranexamic acid solution versus 4% hydroquinone for treating melasma: A split-face randomized study.
J Cosmet Dermatol 2021;
20:4011-4016. [PMID:
34525492 DOI:
10.1111/jocd.14440]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Melasma, also known as chloasma or mask of pregnancy, is a common, acquired, hyperpigmentary disorder usually affecting females. Tranexamic acid (TA), a derivative of amino acid lysine, has shown promising results over the past few years when used along with other therapies and when used as a stand-alone therapy.
AIM OF THE WORK
In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of topically applied tranexamic acid after microneedling versus topically applied hydroquinone (HQ) 4% alone in patients with melasma.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Fifty selected patients were divided randomly according to the random number allocation method into two groups (25 patients each) of A (topical 4% hydroquinone, nightly application) and B (microneedling + topical 4% TA, every other week).
RESULTS
After eight weeks of treatment, the mean modified MASI score of the HQ treated side changed from 6.604 ± 4.02 to 3.032 ± 1.19 with a mean decrease percentage of 54.8% ± 19.4%. This reduction in modified MASI score was found to be statistically significant, (p < 0.001). MASI score of group B (TA +microneedling) changed from 6.348 ± 3.84 to 3.712 ± 1.19 with mean decrease percentage of 57.4% ± 23.4% which was also statistically significant, (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
We demonstrated safety and efficacy of both used modalities and with minimal side effects. Topical HQ application achieved minimal non-significant higher satisfactory results among raters and subjects.
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