A split-face comparative study of 70% trichloroacetic acid and 80% phenol spot peel in the treatment of freckles

Background: Although various treatment options are available for the management of melasma, still it is challenging disorder to treat. Apart from topical therapies, newer modalities like laser toning and chemical peeling are being explored to manage this notorious dermatosis. To evaluate and compare the efficacy and side effects of laser toning versus 50% glycolic acid peel in the management of melasma.Methods: A split face comparative study was done in 30 female patients with melasma. Over the right half of patient’s face laser toning was done whereas other half was treated with 50% glycolic acid peel. 4 such sessions were given at an interval of 15 days. Response to treatment was assessed using melasma area and severity index (MASI) score.Results: Baseline mean MASI score on right and left half of patient’s face was 7.85±3.34 and 6.25±1.56 respectively. After completion of 4 treatment sessions, it was reduced to 4.23±1.45 and 3.71±1.10 respectively with statistically insignificant difference between two halves (p=0.08). Recurrence rate of melasma was higher (46.66%) with laser toning in comparison to glycolic acid peel (26.6% patients).Conclusions: Glycolic acid peel and laser toning were comparable in terms of outcome with laser toning showing slightly better results. In comparison to peels recurrence rate and complications like hypopigmentation in Asian patients were higher with laser toning.

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Efficacy and Safety of 25% Trichloroacetic Acid Peel Versus 30% Salicylic Acid Peel in Mild-to-Moderate Acne Vulgaris: A Comparative Study

Dermatology Practical & Conceptual ◽

10.5826/dpc.1103a63 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 2021063

Author(s):

Surabhi Dayal ◽

Satbir Singh ◽

Priyadarshini Sahu

Keyword(s):

Salicylic Acid ◽

Adverse Effects ◽

Comparative Study ◽

Clinical Efficacy ◽

Trichloroacetic Acid ◽

Acne Vulgaris ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Inflammatory Lesions ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Proven Efficacy

Background: Both salicylic acid (SA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) have proven efficacy with goodsafety profiles in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Objectives: This study compared the clinical efficacy and safety of 25% TCA and 30% SA peels in thetreatment of mild and moderate acne vulgaris. Methods: Patients with mild or moderate acne vulgaris were randomized into 2 groups of 25 personseach, and treated with either the TCA peel or the SA peel at 2-week intervals for 12 weeks. Evaluationof active acne was done by individual lesion counts (comedones, papules and pustules) and calculationof the Michaelsson acne score (MAS). Results: Both peels led to significant decrease in individual lesion counts and MAS compared to baselinevalues, without significant differences between the treatment groups. Thus, the peels had equivalentefficacy against acne vulgaris. The TCA peel was better in treating non-inflammatory lesions,while the SA peel was better for inflammatory lesions, but the differences were not significant. Noserious adverse effects were recorded, but more patients in the TCA peel group experienced burningand stinging sensations. Conclusion: The efficacy of 25% TCA is comparable to that of 30% SA in mild-to-moderate acnevulgaris, but safety and tolerability were better with the SA peel than TCA peel.

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