Bari A U, Zafar Iqbal Sheikh, Simeen Ber Rahman.
Superficial facial chemical peeling as a treatment modality in Melasma.
Pak Armed Forces Med J Jan ;52(2):122-7.

Melasma is a common disorder of great psychosocial concern in our population and response to various treatment modalities is often frustrating. Chemical peeling has recently been rediscovered as an effective mode of treatment in various pigmentary disorders including melasma. The study aimed to assess the comparative efficacy of chemical peeling with glycolic acid (GA) and salicylic acid (SA) in patients of melasma having predominant Fitzpatrik skin type IV and V. Fifty patients of either sex, in the age group between 18-49 years, having melasma of all types and of variable duration, were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided in two equal groups. Six fortnightly facial Peeling sessions with GA 0-60 %) in group l and SA (20%-30%) in-group II were performed. Patients were followed up for one months. Avoidance of sun exposure and regular use of broad spectrum sunscreen was emphasized throughout in all patients. Evaluation was done before, after three months treatment and finally after one month follow up. Satisfactory response to chemical peeling was observed in both groups (p<0.001). The results were almost similar with two different peeling agents. Mild and transient adverse reactions like burning, stinging, irritation, erythema and dryness were seen in most of the patients. No serious side effect was noted. It is concluded that chemical peeling is an effective and safe procedure in treatment of melasma and both chemical agents can be used effectively.

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