Comparison Between 1% Tretinoin Peeling Versus 70% Glycolic Acid Peeling in the Treatment of Females With Melasma



Faghihi G^{1, 2} ; Shahingohar A^{1, 3} ; Siadat AH⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2012

Abstract

Background: Melasma is an irregular brownish pigmentation that appears on the face of young to middle-aged women, especially of Asian races, which may contribute to various emotional disturbances. Although no favorable treatment option has been approved yet, one appropriate approach is peeling with glycolic acid 70% (GA 70%). Considering the efficiency of tretinoin in lower concentrations as an over-the-counter lightening agent, peeling with higher concentrations may effectively diminish the pigmentation of melasma. Our main purpose was to compare the efficiency and safety of GA 70% with tretinoin 1% peelingin the treatment of melasma. Methods: The present study was arandomized, double-blind clinical trial performed on 63 female patients with bilateral melasma. One facial side was treated with drug A (GA 70%) and the opposite side with agent B (Tretinoin 1%) for four sessions with two-week intervals. Changes in Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) scores, patients' discomfort and untoward complications following peeling during the study period were evaluated and compared. Findings: The efficiency of tretinoin 1% peelings in reducing the MASI score and the rate of unwanted complications were similar to GA 70%. However, the patients' discomfort following the procedures was significantly lower in the tretinoin 1% group compared with the GA 70% group. Patients' satisfaction with each intervention was statistically similar. Furthermore, participants of both groups experienced comparable times of onset of the therapeutic responses. Conclusion: Compared to GA 70%, tretinoin 1% may cause more comfort and satisfaction in treatment of melasma. © 2012, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.