Poster presentation, P107

Official XXIst International Pigment Cell Conference website - 21-24 Sept 2011, Bordeaux - France | updated: September 04 2011

Salicylic acid peels in the treatment of melasma

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Melasma, a common disorder of hyperpigmentation is rather recalcitrant to therapy. Although salicylic acid peels have been tried for melasma, there is a dearth of studies in dark skinned patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 20 patients of epidermal melasma as ascertained by Wood's light, were inducted into the study. They were primed with broad spectrum sunscreens and 2% hydroquinonone / 0.025% tretinoin prior to treatment. 6 serial 20%-30% salicylic acid peels were done 2 weekly followed by the 2% hydroquinone / 0.025% tretinoin in between peels. A subjective assessment was carried by the patient and MASI index and photographic evaluation were done by the investigators both before and after treatment. RESULTS: Subjectively, the result was graded as very good (33-66%) by 7 patients and excellent in 3 patients. There was a decrease in the MASI index after treatment which was found to be significant (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Salicylic acid could be an adjuvant in the management of melasma. But is effective only in combination with topical agents.

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