Ácido tranexâmico e microagulhamento: sinergia para tratamento de melasma

Abstract

Background: Melasma is a frequent skin disorder that causes an emotional impact on appearance. The condition is characterized by brownish patches on the face areas most exposed to the sun, and the treatment still representsa challenge. The search for new therapeutic strategies, or even an association with the ones available, aims to achieve better and safer results. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of association of tranexamic acid (TXA) to micro-needling compared to micro-needling itself as a treatment for melasma. Material and methods: Prospective, randomized and double-blind study including 30 subjects with melasma equally divided into two groups. Group A received two monthly sessions of TXA+microneedling, while group B received two microneedling sessions as a single strategy. The groups were compared by the evolution of the severity index and area of melasma (MASI) and improvement in patients' quality of life (MelasQol). Statistical analysis was performed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences 21.0, T-test for paired samples and ANOVA for repeated measures. Results: All patients completed the study. Most part of them (97%) were female, and the mean age was 42 years. Phototype III was predominant (53.5%). Considering the skin patches, the most frequently pattern observed was the central facial, and the main aggravating factor was sun exposure. After treatment, group A patients showed an improvement in MASI of 49%. From the total of 15 patients, 11 showed improvement up to 50%. In the other 3 patients, the improvement was up to 75%. Group B patients (n = 15) showed improvement of 40% for the same indicator, only 4 patients had an improvement up to 50%, and none presented improvement higher than 75%. The two strategies of treatment were able to promote a better life quality of the group of patients; however it was more evidente in the group A. Conclusion: Altogether, the data show the topical use of TXA as being promising and safe for treating melasma.