Abstract
Background: Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder that is often difficult to treat. Tranexamic acid (TA) has emerged as a promising treatment for melasma; however, few controlled studies exist. Objective: To determine the efficacy of oral TA in patients with moderate-to-severe melasma. Methods: Patients with moderate-to-severe melasma were treated with 250 mg of TA or placebo capsules twice daily for 3 months and sunscreen followed by 3 months of treatment with sunscreen only. The primary outcome measure was the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score. Results: A total of 44 patients were enrolled and 39 completed the study. At 3 months, there was a 49% reduction in mMASI score in the TA group versus 18% in the control group. Patients with severe melasma improved more than those with moderate melasma. Three months after treatment was stopped, there was a 26% reduction in mMASI score in the TA group compared with the baseline visit versus a 19% reduction in the placebo arm. No serious adverse events were noted in either group. Limitations: Single-center study enrolling predominantly Hispanic women. Conclusions: Oral TA appears to be an effective treatment for moderate-to-severe melasma with minimal side effects.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 363-369 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology |
Volume | 78 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2018 |
Keywords
- Hispanic
- evidence-based medicine
- melanin
- melasma
- pigmentation
- randomized controlled trial
- tranexamic acid
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Dermatology