DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2016.v04i11.018

Pages: 3948-3953

Melasma is a common acquired cause of hyperpigmentation and is often difficult to treat. Several hypo pigmenting agents like hydroquinone, kojic acid and chemical peels have been used in its treatment with varying results. Spectrophotometric intracutaneous analysis (SIAscopy) is a new noninvasive technique to measure the melanin content of the skin. The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of hydroquinone 2%, Kojic acid 2% and glycolic acid 30% in the treatment of melasma and to study the effect of the above mentioned treatment modalities on the total melanin content measured by SIAscope. There were 45 patients of facial melasma who were enrolled in the study. Three groups were made each comprising of 15 patients. One group was given daily night application of Hydroquinone ( 2% ), second group was treated by weekly Glycolic acid peel ( 30% ) and third group was given daily night application of Kojic acid ( 2% ).Photographs and SIAscopy readings were taken at base-line, at 15 days & at 30 days interval following treatment. Statistical analysis of the results was done by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using software (Epi Info 3.1.1). Hydroquinone ( 2%) gave the best response followed by Glycolic acid peel ( 30%) and Kojic acid ( 2% ) .The reduction in total melanin content was 13.01% by using hydroquinone ( 2%), 9.79% by using glycolic acid peel(30%) and only 5.78% on using Kojic acid (2%).The results show that 2% hydroquinone is a better hypo pigmenting agent followed by Glycolic acid peel 30% and Kojic acid 2%.By calculating the exact reduction in total melanin content using a SIAscope an accurate and objective assessment can be made about the response to treatment in cases of melasma.