Double-blind randomized study of 5% and 10% retinoic acid peels in the treatment of melasma: clinical evaluation and impact on the quality of life

Introduction: Melasma is a highly prevalent dermatosis that greatly affects patients'''''''' quality of life and is challenging to treat.The Melasma Area and Severity Index and the Melasma Quality of Life Scale are useful tools in the clinical and impact on quality of life evaluations, respectively. Objective: To compare the effects of 5% and 10% retinoic acid peels in patients with melasma, using the Melasma Area and Severity Index and the Melasma Quality of Life Scale to evaluate the clinical and quality of life impacts, respectively . Methods: Patients (n = 30) were randomized to receive either 5% or 10% retinoic acid peels in weeks 0, 2, 4 and 6 of the treatment. Clinical and quality of life evaluations took place in weeks 0 and 8. Results: In a global evaluation of the two groups, there was a statistically significant improvement in scores from baseline to week 8, yet there were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups. Conclusions: Retinoic acid peels are effective and safe, as an isolated therapy, in the treatment of melasma.There is no difference in treatment results between 5% and 10% concentrations.

Keywords: MELANOSIS, TRETINOIN, THERAPEUTICS, QUALITY OF LIFE