A Comparison of Low-Fluence 1064-nm Q-Switched Nd: YAG Laser with Topical 20% Azelaic Acid Cream and their Combination in Melasma in Indian Patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Melasma is an acquired symmetric hypermelanosis characterised by irregular light to gray-brown macules on sun-exposed skin with a predilection for the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose and chin. The management of melasma is challenging and requires meticulous use of available therapeutic options.

AIMS:

To compare the therapeutic efficacy of low-fluence Q-switched Nd: YAG laser (QSNYL) with topical 20% azelaic acid cream and their combination in melasma in three study groups of 20 patients each.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Sixty Indian patients diagnosed as melasma were included. These patients were randomly divided in three groups (group A = 20 patients of melasma treated with low-fluence QSNYL at weekly intervals, group B = 20 patients of melasma treated with twice daily application of 20% azelaic acid cream and group C = 20 patients of melasma treated with combination of both). Study period was of 12 weeks each. Response to treatment was assessed using melasma area and severity index score.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:

The statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test, paired and unpaired student t-test.

RESULTS:

Significant improvement was recorded in all the three groups. The improvement was statistically highly significant in Group C as compared to group A (P < 0.001) and group B (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

This study shows the efficacy of low-fluence QSNYL, topical 20% azelaic acid cream and their combination in melasma. The combination of low-fluence QSNYL and topical 20% azelaic acid cream yields better results as compared to low-fluence QSNYL and azelaic acid alone.

• Authors: Charu Bansal, Hira Naik, Hemanta K Kar, Amrita Chauhan
• Journal: Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery (J Cutan Aesthet Surg) Vol. 5 Issue 4 Pg. 266-72 (Oct 2012) ISSN: 0974-2077 [Print] India
• PMID: 23378709 (Publication Type: Journal Article)