Evaluation of Placental Extracts as an Adjuvant Therapy to Phenol in Treatment of Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanolsis.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanolsis (IGH) macules are hypo pigmented lesions occurring due to decreased functioning of melanocytes due to photosensitivity or persistent irritation of skin in middle aged and elderly.

AIM: To find out the efficacy of placental extracts when used as an adjunct with 88% phenol for the treatment of IGH macules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients were randomly divided into two groups (n=20 in each group), viz group P, (the control group, treated with only 88% phenol) and Group PP (study group, treated with Placental extracts along with 88% phenol). Spot peeling was done with 88% phenol in both the groups while group PP was advised to use placental extract at night for 3 months. Patients of both groups were assessed both subjectively and objectively after every session and at the end of 3 months of initiation of therapy. The statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test, Z-test and a p-value<0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS: Both the groups showed significant re-pigmentation of lesions i.e., 76.8% in group P and 79.1% in group PP; whereas, what group PP had shown was non- significantly (p=0.8203) better as compared to group P.

CONCLUSION: The clinical and patient acceptability of phenol along with the placental extracts as an adjuvant was better with similar results. Hence, the use of placental extract is recommended along with phenol in IGH lesions.