The efficacy of combination of 20% azelaic acid with 0.05% tretinoin cream in the treatment of melasma

Authors

  • MR Siddique
  • L Khondker
  • SC Hazra
  • MSI Khan

Keywords:

20% azelaic acid, 0.05% tretinoin, melasma

Abstract

Background Melasma is a common acquired macular hyperpigmentation which involves mostly the sun exposed areas of face and neck. Objective To assess the efficacy of the combination of 20% azelaic acid with 0.05% tretinoin cream in the treatment of melasma. Patients and methods 30 patients of melasma were treated with daily night application of 20% azelaic acid and 0.05% tretinoin. Patients were assessed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment using melasma area severity index. Side effects during therapy were also noted. Results Majority i.e. 43% cases were between 26 to 30 years, 73.3% of patients were females and 56.7% were housewives, 70% were married and 86.7% were in middle class. Family history of melasma was positive in 66.7% cases. 93.3% patients had no history of systemic drug and 73.3% had no history of use of cosmetics. 93.3% of patients had malar area involvement and 6.7% had centrofacial area involvement. After treatment, the average MASI score decreased by 38.66% indicating moderate reduction of the severity of melasma. Burning sensation, itching and erythema developed in 50%, 30% and 16%, respectively. Conclusion The combination of 20% azelaic acid and 0.05% tretinoin cream in the treatment of melasma has a moderate lightening effect with some remarkable side effects. 

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Published

2016-12-22

How to Cite

1.
Siddique M, Khondker L, Hazra S, Khan M. The efficacy of combination of 20% azelaic acid with 0.05% tretinoin cream in the treatment of melasma. J Pak Assoc Dermatol [Internet]. 2016Dec.22 [cited 2024Dec.7];21(4):265-9. Available from: http://www.jpad.com.pk/index.php/jpad/article/view/487

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