Introduction: Melasma is a skin disorder characterized by acquired hyperpigmented macules,especially in the face,and more often affects women. Its incidence is unknown.Several treatment modalities are available to control the disorder.The MASI is a useful measure in the clinical evaluation of melasma,and MELASQoL is a tool to objectively evaluate the impact on patient''''''''s quality of life.
Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of lactic acid peeling in patients with melasma,using MASI and MELASQoL. Methods: 33 patients,predominantly of phototype IV,were treated with 85% lactic acid peeling (hydroalcoholic solution,pH = 3.5).Clinical results and patients''''''''quality of life were evaluated using the Melasma Area and Severity Index - MELASQoL and the Melasma Quality of Life scale,respectively,before and after treatment.
Results: A significant reduction in both indices was verified after treatment,with an average decrease of seven points in the Severity Index.No correlation was observed between the changes in the two measures,meaning that clinical improvement did not always correspond with the patients''''''''expectations regarding the treatment.
Conclusions: Lactic acid peeling is an effective,safe treatment method for melasma.

Keywords: MELANOSIS, LACTIC ACID, THERAPEUTICS, 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