Comparison of 2.5% thioglycolic acid, 2% hydroquinone, 2% Haloxyl, and 10% thioglycolic acid peeling in the treatment of periorbital hyperpigmentation

Introduction: Periorbital hyperpigmentation is a multifactorial dyschromia that involves the eyelid''''''''s vascularization and melanin hyperpigmentation. Objective:To compare the efficacy of 2.5% thioglycolic acid, 2% hydroquinone, 2% Haloxyl, and 10% thioglycolic acid peel in the reduction of dark circles. Methods: Eighty patients were divided into four groups. Groups 1, 2, and 3 underwent treatments with 2.5% thioglycolic acid, 2% hydroquinone, and 2% Haloxyl, respectively. Group 4 underwent five biweekly sessions of chemical exfoliation with 10% thioglycolic acid. All patients were evaluated by two physicians after the treatment: the one who performed the treatment, and another who was blinded to the outcome. The assessment was carried out using photographs and a clinical satisfaction questionnaire distributed to the patients. Results: The best results occurred in Groups 1 and 2. Group 3 had slightly inferior results, possibly due to the low concentration used. Group 4 had the least significant results, however this outcome may have been influenced by the higher age of the group members and the lack of daily use of medications. Conclusions: There is still not an ideal treatment for dark circles, with the currently available therapeutic resources only alleviating the difference in color between the lower eyelids and the rest of the face.

Keywords: HYPERPIGMENTATION, SKIN PIGMENTATION, EYELIDS