Effect of combination of microneedling with tranexamic acid on modified MASI score in patients of melasma

Abstract

Objective  To determine the percentage reduction in modified MASI score with combination of microneedling and tranexamic acid in patients of melasma. Methods  This descriptive case series involved 66 patients of both genders aged 18-40 years having moderate to severe melasma. These patients were treated by microneedling with tranexamic acid at 0, 4 and 8 weeks. Baseline modified MASI scores at 0 weeks was calculated and outcome was evaluated after 12 weeks in the form of percentage reduction in the initial modified MASI scores, both clinically and photographically. Response was graded as excellent (>75% reduction), very good (50-74%), good (25-49%) and fair (<25%). Results A total of 66 patients with moderate to severe melasma were enrolled. Majority of the patients (53%) showed very good response, 41% had good response, 4.5% had excellent response while only 1.5% patients showed fair response. No serious side effects were noted. Conclusion  Microneedling in conjunction with tranexamic acid showed very good response (50-74% improvement) in majority of the patients.