title: A single-blinded comparative study between the use of glycolic acid 70% peel and the use of topical nanosome vitamin C iontophoresis in the treatment of melasma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder. Despite the availability of a wide range of skin-lightening treatments, melasma of skin remains a therapeutic challenge.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nanosome vitamin C iontophoresis and to compare the therapeutic effects of nanosome vitamin C iontophoresis vs. glycolic acid peel 70% in the treatment of melasma in Egyptian women.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study included 14 patients of melasma with skin type IV-V taken for a right-left comparison study of six sessions. Glycolic acid 70% peel was applied on the right side, whereas nanosome vitamin C was applied by iontophoresis on the other side. The results are evaluated using the melasma area and severity index score and with photographs at baseline and after six sessions. Also the photographs were evaluated by two single-blinded physicians before and after sessions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both sides were improved, but the side treated with nanosome vitamin C showed better results. Side effects were few and transient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We concluded that nanosome vitamin C is a new, safe and effective, easy and painless method in the treatment of melasma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
authors.forename: Rehab Mohamed
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Sobhi
authors.forename: Ahmed Mohamed
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Sobhi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002615:Chemexfoliation; D005260:Female; D006016:Glycolates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007478:Iontophoresis / Q000009:adverse effects; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008081:Liposomes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008548:Melanosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016037:Single-Blind Method
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D006016:Glycolates; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D008081:Liposomes; C031149:glycolic acid; D001205:Ascorbic Acid