EFFICACY OF 10% TOPICAL TRANEXAMIC ACID IN MELASMA - A RANDOMIZED PLACEBO-CONTROLLED SPLIT FACE STUDY

Introduction: Melasma is a common facial pigmentary dermatosis in Indians. In spite of various treatment modalities, treatment of melasma is often challenging and recalcitrant. In this context, the present study was carried out to elucidate efficacy and safety of topical 10% Tranexamic acid (TXA) in melasma treatment. Materials and Methods: 40 Melasma patients with malar type were enrolled in the 12 weeks study. They were advised to apply 10% Tranexamic acid cream and placebo to the right and left cheek respectively along with sunscreen. MASI score, a subjective measurement was determined as a clinical outcome of study before and after treatment. Results: After treatment, there was a statistically significant reduction of baseline mean MASI score (Melasma Area and Severity Index score) of the right side of cheek (Tranexamic acid) 5.12 + 1.78 to 4.01 + 1.51 (P=0.000). Patient and physician satisfaction score revealed good response in the majority of the study population. Conclusion: Topical 10% Tranexamic acid is effective and safe for melasma treatment.