Melasma Is an acquired, chronic, recurrent, symmetrical hypermelanosis, which is characterized by brown patches of variable darkness on sun exposed areas of the body. It is more common in women. It is common psychologically and emotionally distressing cosmetic problem in affected patients .
Many studies examined multiple treatment options for melasma , but none of them is completely satisfactory with recurrence in most cases. Tranexamic acid is is a relatively new drug for melasma . It is currently used via a spectrum of delivery routes including oral, topical, intradermal, and microneedling . Laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD) is a technique that facilitates the delivery of topical medications . On reviewing the previous literatures, few studies have focused on therapeutic effects of combined laser and TXA (topical and intradermal) in melasma, with variations in parameters of laser, in dose, concentration, form and routes of TXA application; and in follow up duration. These studies revealed variable unproven results, and since melasma is a challenging disease, additional studies are needed to determine the optimal laser parameters and the best absorbable topical TXA formula, ensuring the best efficacy and less complications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that will use topical TXA gel as an additive effect between sessions, and to confirm the effect of laser and TXA by histopathology and immunohistochemistry.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
40
fractional co2 laser, microneedling and topical tranexamic acid gel
safety and effectiveness of fractional CO2 laser, microneedling and topical tranexamic acid gel
the therapeutic effect of combined fractional co2 laser and topical tranexamic acid versus either fractional co2 laser alone, topical TXA alone or combined microneedling and TXA in treatment of melasma.this will be assessed by melasma area and severity index (MASI).
Time frame: 2 years
accurate outcome of each treatment modality
every modality's effect will be measured by the histopathological changes by use of fontana asson stain.
Time frame: 2 years
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