The use of chemical peelings in the treatment of different cutaneous hyperpigmentations

BACKGROUND. Several chemical agents including hydroquinone, retinoic acid, and azelaic acid are currently used in the treatment of cutaneous hyperpigmentations. Recently chemical peelings with kojic acid, glycolic-acid, and trichloroacetic acid, either alone or in combination, have been introduced for treatment of hyperpigmentations. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of trichloroacetic acid as well as glycolic acid associated with kojic acid in the treatment of cutaneous hyperpigmentations. METHODS. Twenty patients with diffuse melasma were treated with a solution composed of 50% glycolic acid and 10% kojic acid whereas 20 patients with localized hyperpigmentations (lentigo); were treated with 15%-25% trichloroacetic acid. RESULTS. Complete regression of diffuse melasma was observed in 6 of 20 patients (30%), a partial regression in 12 of 20 patients (60%), and no regression in 2 of 20 patients (10%) treated with 50% glycolic acid and 10% kojic acid. Complete regression of localized hyperpigmentations was observed in 8 of 20 patients (40%), a partial regression in 10 of 20 patients (50%), and no regression in 2 of 20 patients (10%) treated with 15-25% trichloroacetic acid. CONCLUSIONS. Based on our findings, both peelings can be considered effective in the treatment of cutaneous hyperpigmentations.