Authors
1
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, College of Medicine Baghdad University., Iraq
2
Center of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq
,
Document Type : Review Article
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Melasma is a common hyperpigmentation disorder. It is therapeutically challenging, with a high relapse rate.
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the efficacy of Kligman formula versus the same formula combined with mesotherapy for treating melasma.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
This is an interventional controlled comparative study conducted at the Center of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical City, Baghdad, and a private clinic in Baghdad, during the period from May 2020 to June 2021. Twenty-four patients with melasma were divided into 2 groups. Group A consisting of 13 patients were treated with Kligman formula for two months. Group B consisting of 11 patients were treated with the same formula plus two weekly sessions of mesotherapy for a total of two months. Response to treatment was assessed using the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score at the baseline and at the end of the two months treatment period.
RESULTS:
The mean MASI score for group A before treatment was 10.7 + 2.6, and decreased to 4.6 + 1.4 after treatment. Regarding group B, the mean MASI score before treatment was 9.8 + 1.7 and decreased to 3.7 + 1.5 after treatment, with statistically significant reduction in MASI score (P value > 0.001) for both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in percent of change in MASI scores between the two study groups (P = 0.321).
CONCLUSION:
The use of Kligman formula is still effective in the treatment of melasma, and the addition of mesotherapy has not resulted in statistically significant improvement in MASI score in melasma patients.
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