مجله دانشکده پزشکی اصفهان (Mar 2011)
The Comparison of the Effect of Chemical Peeling with Tretinoin 1% and Glycolic Acid 70% on the Treatment of Melasma in Women
Abstract
• Background: Melasma is an irregular brown pigmentation, especially in Asian middle-aged women that may cause several psychological problems. Peeling with Glycolic acid 70% (GA) is one the melasma treatment methods. Considering the efficiency of low concentrations Tretinoin in lightening daily cream, peeling with higher concentrations of Tritenoin in a shorter time may be more effective than topical treatments to eliminate melasma. This study was done to compare the effect and side effects of Tritenoin peeling with Glycolic acid 70%. • Methods: This study was a randomized double-blind clinical trial in 63 women with bilateral melasma. One percent Tretinoin peel was applied on one-half of the face, whereas 70% glycolic acid was applied on the other in 4 sessions with 2 weeks interval. At the same time, Melasma Area and Severity Score (MASI Score), side effects and patients tolerence were compared. • Finding: Tretinoin 1% effectiveness in reducing MASI Score and its side effects, patient satisfaction and onset of treatment was the same as Glycolic acid 70% (P < 0.05 in all). Discomfort caused by the peeling action of Tretinoin 1% was significantly less than Glycolic acid 70% (P < 0.05). • Conclusion: Regarding the effectiveness of similar onset of treatment, similar side effects and minimal discomfort during and after peeling and also cheaper prices of Tretinoin 1% compared with Glycolic acid 70%, Tretinoin 1% can be a suitable method for treatment of melasma.
