Chemical Peels for Melasma: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common chronic, relapsing pigmentary disorder that causes psychological impact. Chemical peels are a well-known therapeutic modality used for accelerating the treatment of melasma. OBJECTIVE: To review the published evidence on the efficacy and safety of chemical peels in the treatment of melasma. METHODS: A systematic review was done. A meta-analysis could not be done due to the heterogeneity of data. RESULT: The authors conducted a PubMed search and included prospective case series of more than 10 cases and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have studied the safety and/or efficacy of chemical peel in melasma. Out of 24 studies, 9 were clinical/comparative trials and 15 were RCTs. The total sample size was 1,075. The duration of the study varied from 8 to 36 weeks. Only 8 studies were split face. All studies used self-assessment, physician global assessment, and Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) for quantifying the results. Glycolic acid was found to be the most safe and effective in melasma. CONCLUSION: Chemical peels were found to be safe and effective in the management of melasma.

Lymphomatoid Papulosis: A Case Report.

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LYP) is a chronic CD 30 + lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD) which is characterized by chronic, recurrent, and self-healing papulonecrotic or papulonodular skin eruptions, which are clinically benign and histopathologically malignant. It can resolve spontaneously; however, long-term follow-up is essential as it can progress to malignant lymphoma in 10-20% of the patients. We hereby report a case of a 42-year-old male presenting with recurrent papulonecrotic lesions over the face, trunk, and extremities from the last 3 years which heal with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and atrophic scars with a history of treated pulmonary tuberculosis one year back. There was no systemic involvement. LYP, involving cosmetically sensitive area like face, is an infrequent finding.

Prescribing practices of tranexamic acid for melasma: Delphi consensus from the Pigmentary Disorders Society.

Introduction There is ambiguity regarding usage of tranexamic acid for melasma in India, be it in its pre-administration evaluation, administration route, dosing or monitoring. Hence, we conducted this study to understand various tranexamic-acid prescribing patterns and provide practical guidelines. Materials and methods A Google-form-based questionnaire (25-questions) was prepared based on the key areas identified by experts from the Pigmentary Disorders Society, India and circulated to practicing dermatologists across the country. In rounds 2 and 3, the questionnaire was re-presented to the same group of experts and their opinions were sought. The results of the practitioners' survey were denoted graphically alongside, to guide them. Consensus was deemed when at least 80% of respondents chose an option. Results The members agreed that history pertaining to risk factors for thromboembolism, cardiovascular and menstrual disorders should be sought in patients being started on oral tranexamic-acid. Baseline coagulation profile should be ordered in all patients prior to tranexamic-acid and more exhaustive investigations such as complete blood count, liver function test, protein C and S in patients with high risk of thromboembolism. The preferred oral dose was 250 mg orally twice daily, which can be used alone or in combination with topical hydroquinone, kojic acid and sunscreen. Repeated dosing of tranexamic-acid may be required for those relapsing with melasma following initial tranexamic-acid discontinuation. Coagulation profile should ideally be repeated at three monthly intervals during follow-up, especially in patients with clinically higher risk of thromboembolism. Treatment can be stopped abruptly post improvement and no tapering is required. Limitation This study is limited by the fact that open-ended questions were limited to the first general survey round. Conclusion Oral tranexamic-acid provides a valuable treatment option for melasma. Frequent courses of therapy may be required to sustain results and a vigilant watch is recommended for hypercoagulable states during the course of therapy.

Use of Hyaluronic acid fillers in treatment of periorbital melanosis induced by tear trough deformity: Anatomical considerations, patient satisfaction, and management of complications.

BACKGROUND: Periocular melanosis (POM) due to shadow effect of tear trough deformity (TT) does not respond to the conventional treatment modalities. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are a favurable treatment modality. This area is a high risk for injectables due to its unique anatomy. AIMS: To find role of HA fillers in treatment POM due to TT deformity with special emphasis on practical anatomy, patient satisfaction rate, and management of complications. A correlation of the grade of TT, age of the patient, and patient satisfaction was done. A follow-up at 1 year was done to assess longevity of results. METHODS: Retrospective study of 60 cases of clinically diagnosed POM (120 TT) due to TT deformity was performed. Each patient was injected with 1 ml, cross-linked HA 22.5 mg/ml in under-eye area using 30 G needle or a 25 G cannula. Follow-up was done at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 1 year. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 36.4 years. Majority of patients, that is, 31 (52%) were in the age group of 30-40. As per Hirmand's classification, 46.6% (28/60) had grade 2 TT which was most common. We graded results in the form of VAS and 80% patients had VAS > 7. There were no major side effects. CONCLUSION: Hyaluronic acid fillers are promising treatment modality without any major side effects. Both needle and cannula can be used effectively. Patient satisfaction is higher in younger patients with low grade of TT and results persisted in all cases for a minimum of 1 year.