Background: Melasma is an acquired hypermelanosis characterized by light-to-deep brown pigmentation overcheeks, forehead, upper lip, and nose. Treatment of this condition is difficult and associated with high recurrence rates. Among newer therapies, there is interest in the use of glycolic acid peels and Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (QSNYL). The aim of the present study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy and safety in melasma.
Methods: 50 patients of melasma were included in the`study. Randomly divided in two groups (Group A = 25 patients treated with glycolic acid and Group B = 25patients treated with QSNYL). Response to treatment was assessed using MASI scores.
Results: The peak incidence of melasma was seen in the age group 30-39 years. Female preponderance was seen in the study (F: M-7.3:1). Centrofacial type was the most common (48.0 %) observed in both the groups. MASI scores improved from 6.82 to 4.30 with glycolic acid peel and from 7.22 to 4.96 in the laser group at the end of the study. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was frequent in laser treated patients.The common adverse effect observed in the study was erythema in both the groups.
Conclusions: 70% Glycolic peels were better than Q switched Nd: YAG laser for the treatment of melasma. Among patients treated with laser post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was a significant side effect especially in darker skin types.
Impact Factor
2022: 6.012
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