Topical hydroquinone and spectraban-15 lotion [a sunscreen] versus topical hydroquinone alone in the treatment melasma

ABSTRACT

Melasma is a term applied to a pattern of hyperpigmention on the face, mainly in women but also seen in men particularly of Asiatic origin. Twenty six patients [21 Females and 5 males] suffering from Melasma were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups of ten and sixteen each. The second group was given Hydroquinone cream and Spectraban lotion. The patients were seen every two weeks for a period of eight weeks. The improvement was charted according to an arbitrary scoring system based on the colour and extent of the lesions. The treatment with Hydroquinone cream and sunscreen. Spectraban-15 lotion [Group-Il] was found to be significantly more effective [P <0.008] in reducing hypermelanosis. Use of customary veil and of cosmetics was found to have marked beneficial and deleterious effects respectively, on the extent and severity of Melasma. The skin type of the patient and number of hours of sun exposure were also found to have a significant effect on the disease expression