RESUMEN
Objective: To compare the efficacy of topical hydroquinone 2% and oral tranexamic acid 500mg daily in patients of melisma
Methods: A total of 140 patients [70 patients in each group] were enrolled, who were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A was treated with topical hydroquinone 2% and group B was given oral tranexamic acid 500mg daily. Follow-up was carried out at the end of 2[nd], 4[th] and 8[th] week to compare reduction in MASI score at last follow-up
Results: The mean age of patients was 29.67 +/- 6.38 years with an age range of 15 to 45 years. There were 28 [20%] male and 112 [80%] female patients. Majority i.e. 120 [85.7%] cases were married and 20 [14.3%] were unmarried. The age of onset was 15-25 years in 67 [47.9%] patients, 26-35 years in 52 [37.14%] and 36-45 years in 21[15%] patients. Both groups showed a decline in MASI score; however, the results were significantly greater in group B [oral tranexamic acid]. At final follow-up, the mean percentage reduction was higher in group B [77.97+/-8.37] as compared to group A [67.02+/-8.42], p < 0.001. Adverse effects like erythema, burning, allergic contact dermatitis and pigmentation were noticed in the first group. One [1.4%] patient developed nausea and vomiting and diarrhea with oral tranexamic acid
Conclusion: Oral tranexamic acid 500 mg had a better response when compared with topical hydroquinone 2% cream and better safety profile. It might be considered as a future treatment option