Safety and efficacy of glycolic acid facial peel in Indian women with melasma.
BACKGROUND
Melasma is a common disorder of facial hyperpigmentation. Many modalities of treatment are available, but none is satisfactory.


METHODS
Twenty-five nonpregnant female patients with a minimum melasma area and severity index (MASI) of 15 were recruited in the study. After a detailed history and clinical examination under natural light and Wood's light, MASI was calculated and color photographs were taken of all patients. Patients were advised to carry out a prepeel program of daily application of topical sunscreens (sun protection factor-15, SPF-15) and 10% glycolic acid lotion at night for 2 weeks. Patients were then treated with 50% glycolic acid facial peel once per month for three consecutive months. At regular intervals and at the end of the follow-up period (3 months) after the last peel, the degree of improvement in pigmentation was assessed by remeasuring MASI. Side-effects, if any, were also recorded. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using Student's paired t-test and Spearman rank correlation coefficient test.


RESULTS
Improvement in melasma (reduction in MASI) was observed in 91% of patients (P < 0.01). Patients with epidermal-type melasma demonstrated a better response to treatment than those with mixed-type melasma (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The prepeel program followed by 50% glycolic acid facial peel once per month for three consecutive months proved to be an effective treatment modality in Indian patients without any significant side-effects.
Javaheri
S M
SM
Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Handa
S
S
Kaur
I
I
Kumar
B
B
D000328:Adult; D002615:Chemexfoliation / Q000379:methods*; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006016:Glycolates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000208:ethnology; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008548:Melanosis / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects*
D006016:Glycolates; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; C031149:glycolic acid