Surg Cosmet Dermatol. 2014;6(3):255-260
Introduction: Melasma appears as a hyperpigmentation, which mainly affects body areas exposed to the sun, and is considered a common condition.
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of 82% lactic acid peeling in the treatment of facial melasma through a prospective and comparative study.
Methods: Three fortnightly application sessions with 82% lactic acid peeling were carried out in 16 patients with facial melasma - eight of them were using the standard triple combination drugs for the treatment of hyperpigmentation while the others were untreated for 60 days. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied in order to compare the two groups' values for the Melasma Area Severity Index.
Results: The lactic acid peeling improved the hyperpigmentation in all patients studied, with no permanent side effects, proving to be an effective treatment. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a significant reduction (p = 0.0003) in the Melasma Area Severity Index, in all patients.
Conclusion: The 82% lactic acid peeling treatment can be an important tool in the improvement of resistant melasma.
Keywords: CHEMEXFOLIATION; THERAPEUTICS; SKIN; LACTIC ACID; HYPERPIGMENTATION.