Title: A Comparative Study of Clinical Efficacy of 35% Glycolic Acid and 20% Salicylic Acid Peels in Melasma
Authors: Shakeel Ahmad Shams, Swati Suman, Seeba Hussain, Vinayak Viplav
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v11i4.21
Abstract
Introduction: Melasma is a common, acquired hyperpigmentary disorder that occurs predominantly in women, characterized by symmetrically distributed, brownish macules and patches on the face, which can have a significant impact on the quality of life of affected individuals. It is thought to be due to a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Treatment options for melasma include topical agents, such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, and corticosteroids, as well as chemical peels, lasers, and light-based therapies.
Chemical peels have been used to treat various dermatological conditions, including melasma. They work by inducing controlled damage to the skin, leading to exfoliation and the regeneration of new, healthier skin. Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are two commonly used peeling agents that have been shown to be effective in treating melasma.
However, there is a lack of studies comparing the clinical efficacy of these two agents in treating melasma. Therefore, the present study aims to compare the clinical efficacy of 35% glycolic acid and 20% salicylic acid peels in treating melasma.
The findings of this study could help dermatologists and aesthetic practitioners in selecting the appropriate peeling agent for the treatment of melasma, based on its clinical efficacy, safety, and patient preference. It may also contribute to the development of more effective and personalized treatment strategies for melasma.
Aims and Objectives: To study and compare the clinical efficacy and safety of Glycolic acid and salicylic acid peel in melasma.
Material and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Out-Patient Department (OPD) of the Department of Dermatology, Katihar Medical College and Hospital, Katihar from January 2021 to August 2022. 100 patients were included in this study. Age and sex matched two random groups of 75 each were taken, Group A with Salicylic Acid and Group B Glycolic Acid.The study involved chemical peeling, and the peeling procedure was divided into three steps - prepeel, peel, and post-peel pre-peel program. The peeling was repeated four times at 2-week intervals, and the degree of improvement in pigmentation was assessed at regular intervals using the melasma area and severity index (MASI) and post-peel photographs.
Result: The total number of patients were 150, out of those 61 males and 89 females. At the end of 20 weeks, Glycolic acid peel group showed average 46.25% improvement, and Salicylic acid peel group showed 49.02 % improvement. Both peels were well tolerated and there were no severe adverse events.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our prospective study has shown that both salicylic acid (SA) and glycolic acid (GA) peels are effective treatments for melasma, with slightly better results observed in the GA group. Our study provides valuable information for clinicians treating patients with melasma, emphasizing the importance of considering sun exposure when selecting a treatment, and highlighting the effectiveness of both SA and GA peels.
Keywords: Melasma, Chemical Peeling, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid.
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