Combination of glycolic acid peel and topical 20% azelaic acid cream in melasma patients: efficacy and improvement in quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Glycolic acid (GA) peel is one of the most versatile agents in the treatment of melasma. GA peeling alone or in combination with topical hypopigmenting agents has shown encouraging results. However, there is paucity of controlled trial demonstrating the efficacy of glycolic peel in conjunction with topical azelaic acid (AA). We therefore sought to highlight the efficacy and safety of this combination in melasma.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy, safety and reduction in melasma quality of life (MELASQOL) scores on combining serial GA peels with topical 20% AA cream in epidermal melasma.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: Sixty patients of epidermal melasma were enrolled for 24 weeks. Patients were divided into two groups: (1) Study group received serial GA peel every 3 weeks with twice daily 20% AA cream, and (2) control group received only 20% AA cream. Clinical improvement was assessed objectively using Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI). Melasma-related quality of life was measured by MELASQOL scale in both groups. Side effects were observed at each visit.

RESULTS: The improvement in MASI and percentage decrease in MASI scoring were statistically significant 12 weeks onwards in study group as compared to control group. There was also a significant reduction in MELASQOL scores in study group as compared to control group after treatment. Minor reversible side effects were observed in both groups, which did not require cessation of therapy.

CONCLUSION: GA peel enhances therapeutic efficacy of topical AA cream for treatment of melasma, with improvement in quality of life without serious side effects.