Therapeutic Effects of Tranexamic Acid Cream in Comparison to Hydroquinone 4% Cream in Treatment of Melasma: a Split Face Comparative Study

Abstract

elasma is a chronic, acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by gray-brown macules and patches affecting photo distributed part of the face such as the bridge of the nose, cheek, upper lip, forehead, and mandible. It is seen mostly in women of reproductive age group and has an onset usually after pregnancy. However, in around 10% of the cases, males are also affected. Although the precise cause of melasma remains unknown, some factors such as genetic susceptibility, ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, pregnancy, sex hormones, contraceptive pills, thyroid disease, cosmetics, phototoxic drugs have been identified as some common contributing factors in developing melasma. Melasma can place a great psychological burden on patients, significantly affecting their quality of life. The aim of our study was to assess and compare the therapeutic efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid cream versus hydroquinone 4% cream in treating patients with melasma. This prospective split face comparative study included thirty three patients with their age ranging from 18 to 40 years, participated for treatment of different types of melasma, recruited from outpatient clinic of Dermatology department Ain Shams University Hospitals during the period from January to June 2019. The study was approved by the Research Ethical Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University and fulfilled all the ethical aspects required in human research. All patients received full information about description of the procedure of treatment, possible side effects, photo documentation and they all provided informed consent.