A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF 35% GLYCOLIC ACID AND 30% MANDELIC ACID PEELS IN THE TREATMENT OF MELASMA.

Melasma is a common disorder of hyperpigmentation, which has a severe impact on the quality of life. Inspite of tremendous research, the treatment remains frustrating both to the patient and the treating physician. Chemical Peels are a well-known modality of treatment for melasma, having shown promising results and many new agents have come up, but there is little published evidence supporting their use in day-to -day practice. Aims and objective: To compare the therapeutic efcacy and side effects of 35% glycolic acid versus 30% mandelic acid peels in Indian patients with melasma. Material and Methods: Twenty melasma patients, ranging in age from 18 to 60, were divided into two groups randomly. Both groups were given 4% hydroquinone and 0.05% tretinoin cream during a four-week priming phase and were advised to apply broad spectrum sunscreen during the period of study. Group A received 35% glycolic acid (GA-35%) and Group B received 30% mandelic acid peel . Over the course of 12 weeks, chemical peels were applied at intervals of 15days. Photographic records were kept, and improvement was objectively assessed using Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) values at baseline ,6 and 12 weeks. Results: Both Group A (GA-35%) and Group B (30% mandelic acid) showed a decline in MASI scores, with Group A and Group B showing no statistically signicant differences (p = 0.7). After 12 weeks, the GA group demonstrated a 67.91% reduction in MASI scores, while the mandelic acid group exhibited a 63.54% reduction. However, 3 patients of Group A reported experiencing a mild burning sensation as a side effect. Conclusion: 35% glycolic acid (GA) and 30% mandelic acid peels are almost equally effective in melasma ,but mandelic acid has better tolerability .