Topical And Systemic Therapies In Melasma: A Systematic Review

    October 2023 in “ Indian Dermatology Online Journal ”
    Rashmi Sarkar, Evangeline B. Handog, Anupam Das, Anuva Bansal, Ma. Juliet Macarayo, Keshavamurthy Vinay, Vignesh Narayan R, Soumya Jagadeesan, Eugenio Pipo, Grace Monica Ibaviosa, Indrashis Podder, Shivani Bansal
    TLDR Choose melasma treatments based on individual needs and local availability.
    The systematic review assesses the safety and efficacy of various treatments for melasma, confirming that hydroquinone (HQ) and triple combination creams (TCC) are effective, with TCC as the gold standard. Broad-spectrum sunscreens are essential, and newer agents like azelaic acid and tranexamic acid (TXA) show promise, with TXA as a viable HQ alternative. The review, which includes 174 randomized controlled trials, highlights the importance of maintenance therapy and combining treatments like TCC with chemical peels or laser therapy for better results. It stresses the need for individualized treatment plans based on factors like melasma severity and skin type, and calls for further large-scale studies to validate newer agents' efficacy.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    1 / 1 results