Comparison between 1% tretinoin peeling versus 70% glycolic acid peeling in the
treatment of female patients with melasma.
Author(s): Faghihi G, Shahingohar A, Siadat AH.
Affiliation(s): Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical
Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Publication date & source: 2011, J Drugs Dermatol. , 10(12):1439-42
Melasma is an irregular brownish pigmentation observed on the faces of young to
middle-aged women, especially of Asian races, which may contribute to various
emotional disturbances. Although not any favorable treatment being approved yet,
one appropriate approach is peeling by glycolic acid 70% (GA 70%). Considering
the efficiency of Tretinoin in lower concentrations as over-the-counter
lightening agents, peelings with higher strength Tretinoin may effectively
relieve the pigmentation (melasma) sooner than other topical therapies.OBJECTIVE:
The main purpose was to compare the efficiency and complications of GA 70% with
Tretinoin 1% peeling.
METHODS: A randomized, double-blinded clinical trial performed on 63 female
patients with bilateral melasma. One facial side was treated by drug A (GA 70%)
and the opposite side by agent B (Tretinoin 1%) peeling for four sessions with
2-week intervals. Descending changes in Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI)
scores, patients' discomfort and untoward complications following peeling all
were evaluated and compared during the research period.
RESULTS: The efficiency of Tretinoin 1% peelings in declining the MASI score
(treatment of melasma) was similar to GA 70%, as well as the rare unwanted
complications of them. However, the patients' discomfort following procedures as
expressed by their own, was significantly lower with Tretinoin 1% compared to GA
70% peeling. The cases' satisfaction with the intervention was statistically
similar to each other. Furthermore, we experienced almost the equal times of
beginning the therapeutic responses in both groups.
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