title: Topical tranexamic acid as an adjuvant treatment in melasma: Side-by-side comparison clinical study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tranexamic acid (TNA) is a novel therapeutic agent for hyperpigmented skin disorders. The efficacy and safety of topical TNA in patients with melasma has not been heretofore studied. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical TNA combined with intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment in Asians with melasma.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized, split-face (internally controlled) study was conducted in 15 women who received four monthly sessions of IPL to both sides of the face. Topical TNA or vehicle was applied to a randomly assigned side during and after IPL treatment. Patients were followed up for 12 weeks after completing the IPL treatments. Baseline and follow-up melanin index (MI; measured by Mexameter®, Courage and Khazaka, Cologne, Germany) and modified melasma area and severity index (mMASI) scores were determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirteen subjects completed the study without serious adverse events. MI and mMASI decreased significantly from baseline to 12 weeks after the last IPL treatment on the topical TNA side but not on the vehicle side. The efficacy of topical TNA in preventing rebound pigmentation after IPL treatment was also statistically significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Topical TNA can be considered an effective and safe adjuvant to conventional treatment for melasma.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Dermatology , Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Seoul , Korea and.
authors.forename: Jong Yoon
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.affiliation: a Department of Dermatology , Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Seoul , Korea and.|b Department of Medical Device Management and Research , SAIHST, Sungkyunkwan University , Seoul , Korea.
authors.forename: Jong Hee
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: a Department of Dermatology , Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Seoul , Korea and.
authors.forename: Joo Heung
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008548:Melanosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D014148:Tranexamic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D014148:Tranexamic Acid
keywords: IPL; melasma; topical tranexamic acid