Comparative evaluation of hydroquinone, tretinoin and mometasone versus glycolic acid versus trichloroacetic acid peel in melasma.

Objective Comparative evaluation of 2% hydroquinone, 0.025% tretinoin and 1% mometasone versus glycolic acid and trichloroacetic acid peel alone in melasma. Methods Seventy five patients were included in the study. Total duration of study was one and a half years. Melasma area severity index (MASI) score of more than 10 were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups. Group A consisted of 25 patients and were given 2% Hydroquinone, mometasone 1% and 0.025% tretinoin. Group B consisted of 25 patients and underwent glycolic acid peel. Group C consisted of 25 patients and underwent trichloroacetic acidpeel. Results Group A had better response, followed by group B and group C, respectively. Conclusion Combination of hydroquinone, mometasone and tretinoin is a good option to treat melasma only when used judiciously along with sunscreen, whereas glycolic acid peels are a safer option with fewer side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]