title: Treatment of melasma with a depigmentation cream determined with colorimetry.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Melasma is a pigmentary disorder often recalcitrant to treatment. Few studies have objectively evaluated the efficacy of treatment colorimetrically.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a depigmentation cream, including mainly glycolic acid and Rumex occidentalis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-seven patients applied the cream twice daily for the first 3 months and twice weekly for the following 3 months. L*, C* and h* values of the target lesions and the perilesional area were analyzed at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks colorimetrically. The physician and patient evaluated the clinical response rate. These results were compared statistically between the lesional and perilesional area.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a significant difference between 0-12, 0-24 (L*, C* and h* values) and 12-24 weeks (L* value) (p <0.001). For C* and h* values, the difference was not significant between 12 and 24 weeks (p = 0.464 and 0.151, respectively). Statistical significance was detected only between 3 and 6 months for C* value (p < 0.05) for the lesional and the perilesional areas. Clinical response rate was significant (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our depigmentation cream is a moderate effective agent, well tolerated and can be considered as an alternative treatment of melasma. Twice-daily application may enhance the efficacy of treatment instead of twice-weekly application in the maintenance period.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Turkey.
authors.forename: Emine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sabancilar
authors.forename: Fatma
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Aydin
authors.forename: Yuksel
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bek
authors.forename: Muge Guler
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Ozden
authors.forename: Muharrem
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ozcan
authors.forename: Nilgün
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Senturk
authors.forename: Tayyar
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Canturk
authors.forename: Ahmet Yasar
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Turanli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003124:Colorimetry; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006016:Glycolates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008548:Melanosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019664:Polygonaceae / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D006016:Glycolates; D028321:Plant Preparations; C031149:glycolic acid