Glycolic acid peels for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in black patients. A comparative study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients of Fitzpatrick skin types IV, V, and VI is difficult. Glycolic acid peels are useful for pigment dyschromias in caucasians; however, there are no controlled studies examining their safety and efficacy in dark-complexioned individuals.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine if serial glycolic acid peels provide additional improvement when compared with a topical regimen of hydroquinone and tretinoin.

METHODS:

Nineteen patients with Fitzpatrick skin type IV, V, or VI were randomized to a control or peel group. The control group applied 2% hydroquinone/10% glycolic acid gel twice daily and 0.05% tretinoin cream at night. The peel patients used the same topical regimen and, in addition, received six serial glycolic acid peels (68% maximum concentration). Patients were evaluated with photography, colorimetry, and subjectively.

RESULTS:

Sixteen patients completed the study. Both treatment groups demonstrated improvement, but the patients receiving the glycolic acid peels showed a trend toward more rapid and greater improvement. The peel group also experienced increased lightening of the normal skin.

CONCLUSIONS:

This pilot study demonstrates that serial glycolic acid peels provide an additional benefit, with minimal adverse effects, for the treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in dark-complexioned individuals.

• Authors: R L Burns, P L Prevost-Blank, M A Lawry, T B Lawry, D T Faria, D P Fivenson
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 23 Issue 3 Pg. 171-4; discussion 175 (Mar 1997) ISSN: 1076-0512 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9145958 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Drug Combinations
• Glycolates
• Hydroquinones
• Keratolytic Agents
• glycolic acid
• Tretinoin
• hydroquinone

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adult
• Black People
• Chemexfoliation
• Dermatitis (complications)
• Drug Combinations
• Female
• Glycolates (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Hydroquinones (administration & dosage)
• Hyperpigmentation (etiology, therapy)
• Keratolytic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Middle Aged
• Pilot Projects
• Tretinoin (administration & dosage)