Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background:Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by the development of brown or grayish-brown patches on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. The present study was conducted to compare 35% glycolic acid peel versus modified Kligman’s regimen in patients with Melasma. Materials & Methods: 64 patients of Melasma were divided into 2 groups of 32 each. Group II received 35% glycolic acid peels once every four weeks for a total of twelve weeks, while group I received topical modified Kligman's formula (MKF) every day. The response was assessed by MASI score. Results: Group I had 12 males and 20 females and group II had 14 males and 18 females. The common type was central in 13 and 15 and malar seen in 19 and 17 in group I and group II respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Disease duration was 1-2 years in 11 and 15, 2-3 years in 14 and 10 and >3 years in 6 and 7 patients in group I and group II respectively. The common precipitating factors were sun exposure in 20 and 18, cosmetics in 3 and 4, pregnancy in 8 and 6, drugs in 3 and 2, and idiopathic in 1 and 2 patients in group Iand group II respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The pre-treatment mean MASI score in group I was 10.9 and in group II was 8.8 and the post-treatment score was 3.5 in group I and 2.1 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with melasma responded effectively to both modified Kligman's formula and glycolic acid peels.