Abstract
Background:
Melasma is characterized by symmetrical brown to greyish brown patches mainly affecting sun exposed areas. This condition is more common in females with Fitzpatrick skin type III-IV. It has multiple triggers and often leads to psychological distress.
Objective:
To examine how well glycolic peel works alone and how well it works when combined with modified kligman’s regimen in improving melasma.
Methodology:
The study was designed as comparative cross-sectional. This multicentered research was performed at different clinics under supervision of certified dermatologist. The study duration was 4 months and sample size was 29 that was increased to 40 for reliability. 40 participants divided into two groups which was group A (received glycolic peel) and group B (received glycolic peel with kilgman’s regimen).
Results:
A total 40 participants with mean age of 30.48 (with minimum age of 19 and maximum of 52 years demonstrated a marked female predominance with 39 female and 1 male participants. In mean time 12 participants reported melasma for 6 months to 1 year, 20 participants had disease duration of 1-3 years and 8 of them reported a history of more than 3 years indicating the significant proportion of chronic disease. An independent sample t-test suggested that there was no statistically significant difference between two groups before treatment as p-value is greater than 0.05. It also showed no significant difference between two groups after treatment.
Conclusion:
Melasma is chronic pigmentary and multifactorial disorder which requires individualized and holistic approach to management. Glycolic acid peel and modified kligman’s regimen are both effective options for melasma. Glycolic acid peel works with controlled exfoliation while modified kligman’s regimen works by synergistic pharmacological mechanism.