The effectiveness of intradermal injection and topical tranexamic acid in melasma

Authors

  • Devi Artami Susetiati Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada
  • Danar Wicaksono Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
  • Sri Awalia Febriana Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
  • Dwi Retno Adi Winarni Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Keywords:

Tranexamic acid, melasma, hyperpigmentation, injection tranexamic acid, effectiveness

Abstract

Background: Melasma is a hyperpigmentation disorder caused by the hyperactivity of epidermal melanocytes in the facial area that is very common in Asian races. Previous studies revealed that patients with melasma want a short duration of therapy and inexpensive costs. This study elucidate the effectiveness of intradermal injection compared with topical tranexamic acid (TA) in melasma. Methods: The research subjects were divided into 2 groups accordingly. The test groups received intradermal tranexamic acid injections every four weeks for eight weeks, while the control group received topical tranexamic acid applied by compressed dressing every two weeks for eight weeks. MASI score and melanin index were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Results: 18 patients (56%) received an intradermal tranexamic acid injection, and 14 patients (44%) received topical tranexamic acid. There was a decrease in the mean value of the melanin index and MASI score in the topical TA group before and after the sequential treatment (p <0.05). There was a decrease in the mean value of melanin index and MASI score in the topical TA group before and after the sequential treatment (p <0.05). There were significant mean differences in melanin index and MASI score before and after treatment between the topical and injection TA groups (p <0.05). Conclusions: TA injection is more effective in reducing MASI scores and melanin index compared to topical TA in melasma, with longer treatment intervals and lower cost-effectiveness.

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Published

2023-10-12

How to Cite

1.
Susetiati DA, Wicaksono D, Febriana SA, Winarni DRA. The effectiveness of intradermal injection and topical tranexamic acid in melasma. J Pak Assoc Dermatol [Internet]. 2023Oct.12 [cited 2023Nov.28];33(4):1557-61. Available from: https://jpad.com.pk/index.php/jpad/article/view/2374

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