Efficacy and safety of topical hydrogen peroxide 35% solution versus cryotherapy in the treatment of senile lentigo.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Senile lentigines (SLs) are hyperpigmented macules that predominantly affect the elderly. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of hydrogen peroxide35% solution with cryotherapy in the treatment of SLs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This clinical trial included 33 patients with SLs referred to our center. Lesions of each side of the body were randomly allocated to receive 3 sessions of treatment with hydrogen peroxide or cryotherapy at a three-week interval. All patients were followed up 1 week after each round of treatment for the evaluation of side effects, the general effect of the treatment, and the general assessment of response to treatment. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included in this study with the mean age of 61.79 ± 4.59 years. Average and excellent effects were significantly higher with cryotherapy after the 2nd and 3rd sessions of treatment, respectively. Positive response to treatment was significantly higher with cryotherapy at all time points. Severe erythema was only observed with cryotherapy. Pigmentation was significantly more frequent with cryotherapy than with hydrogen peroxide at any time point (p < 0.001). Also, blisters were only seen with cryotherapy. Moreover, the pain score was significantly higher with cryotherapy at all time points (p < 0.001). Up to one week after the 3rd session of treatment, no recurrence of lesions occurred in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cryotherapy appears to be more efficacious for the treatment of SLs compared to hydrogen peroxide 35% solution; however, hydrogen peroxide seems to have fewer side effects.