EFFECT OF ARGININE PEEL 20 % VS LACTIC ACID 15% PEEL IN THE TREATMENT OF PERIORBITAL HYPERPIGMENTATION IN PATIENTS ATTENDING THE DERMATOLOGY OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: AN INTERVENTIONAL STUDY

Background: Periorbital melanosis (POM) is a common aesthetic condition with signicant impact on quality of life. Though chemical peeling is a frequently used treatment, an ideal peeling agent is yet to be found. To evaluate and compare the Objective: clinical efcacy and safety of Arginine peel 20% and Lactic acid 15% peel in the treatment of POM. Patients with POM were divided Materials and Methods: into Group 1 (Gr1) and Group 2 (Gr-2), who received 20% Arginine peeling and 15% Lactic Acid peeling respectively; every 2 weeks, for 6 sessions and evaluated after each session. Clinical improvement using POM grading, patients' global assessment, satisfaction, and physician's global satisfaction were noted. Data was presented in number, percentages and mean±standard deviation. INSTAT software was used for statistical analysis; A Results: total of 30 patients were enrolled in the study with 15 patients in Gr-1 and 15 patients in Gr-2. The Mean ± S.D of age of patients enrolled was 32.13 ± 6.04 years with similar baseline POH grade and skin types. Mean satisfaction score was progressively increasing in a much better way with each peeling with lesser adverse effects for Gr-1 than Gr-2. 20% Arginine peel appears to be better than Conclusion: 15% Lactic Acid peel with earlier, more consistent results and fewer side effects.