Platelet-rich plasma has been proven to be promising in regards to its applicability in dermatology, especially in the healing of chronic ulcers and for soothing signs of aging. The autologous platelet-rich plasma is obtained through blood centrifugation, in a way that its components are separated by density gradient. The final product is a gel rich in growth factors that act in tissue repair, activating fibroblasts and inducing the extracellular matrix remodeling.

Keywords: PLATELET-DERIVED GROWTH FACTOR; PLATELET-RICH PLASMA; TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTORS; VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTORS; WOUND HEALING

Introduction: Melasma is a chronic hyperpigmentation of the skin, characterized by irregular brownish spots distributed in areas exposed to the sun, common in Brazilian women. Due to facial involvement, it impacts on appearance, causing psychosocial and emotional discomfort, thus affecting patients' quality of life.
Objective: A double-blind, longitudinal, comparative and monocentric clinical study was conducted comparing the quality of life and the pigmentation intensity of melasma in women before and 60 days after oral use of Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis idaea L.) extract in association with sunscreen as the only topical treatment.
Methods: The study investigated the influence of the presence of melasma on the quality of life of volunteers before and after 60 days of oral use of lingonberry extract (Vaccinium vitis idaea L.) in combination with topical sunscreen and in patients who just wore sunscreen through the Melasma Quality of Life Scale Scale. Comparative and standardized dermatoscopic photographs of the lesions had the intensity of the pigmentation evaluated by an optical density analysis program.
Results: Evaluation of the Melasma Quality of Life Scale indicated a reduction of the discomfort caused by the pathology after the use of the phytotherapic drug in association with the sunscreen, which did not occur in the group that used the sunscreen alone. The analysis of the pigmentation density in the photographs showed a significant reduction in the degree of pigmentation after the use of phytotherapic drug, as well as no alterations in the control group.
Conclusion: The use of lingonberry may contribute to the treatment of facial melasma.

Keywords: MELASMA; PHYTOTHERAPY; SKIN PIGMENTATION