Chemical peels associated with the greatest improvement in Melasma

According to the data reportedly generated by researchers in Haryana, glycolic acid and TCA, chemical peels are associated with the greatest improvement in melasma in skin of colour. Recent studies have shown the use of certain chemical peels for the treatment of melasma in patients of colour – compared with lactic acid peels, glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels that have been associated with greater reduction in melasma severity. However, lactic acid peels have had fewer side-effects. As per the study conducted on patients who sought melasma treatment from October 2018-September 2020, participants were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to the following chemical peel conditions: 30 per cent glycolic acid, 92 per cent lactic acid, and 15 per cent TCA.The most common negative effects were post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, pruritus, burning sensation, erythema, and scaling.The adverse effects were greatest in the TCA group. Patients who received lactic acid peels reported the fewest side-effects. However, all symptoms resolved with time and did not require the treatment to be stopped.A dermatologist can use any of these peels judiciously considering patient profile and its safety.