Novel hyperpigmentation treatment shows promise

Patients with melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation reported satisfaction with an alternative to Kligman’s formula, according to findings presented at American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting.

The study evaluated whether patients were satisfied with a newly available combination depigmenting preparation. The researchers aimed to determine whether a new proprietary product would be a sufficient alternative to Kligman’s formula to reduce psychosocial morbidity associated with melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Kligman’s formula has been linked to skin irritation, and the product also has a short shelf life and high cost.

The proprietary product has a longer expiry date, a reduced manufacturing cost and contains hydroquinone 5%, tretinoin 0.1%, and hydrocortisone 1%, which is a similar combination to Kligman’s formula.

The analysis involved 41 patients who were prescribed a 15 g tube for sparing use at night for 90 days within the last 12 months. Participants completed a phone questionnaire and had their Dermatology Life Quality Index score assessed.

Of the 29 patients in the final analysis, 22 had melasma and 7 had postinflammatory hyperpigmentation secondary to acne.

A marked improvement in QOL was reported by 12 patients, while nine reported a moderate improvement, five reported a mild improvement and three reported no improvement.

Eleven participants reported marked improvement in skin symptoms, while 12 reported moderate improvement, four reported mild improvement, and two reported no improvement in skin symptoms.

The mean Dermatology Life Quality Index score after treatment was 4.4 (range, 1-10).

Patients who made the 15 g tube last 2 months or more derived the most benefit from treatment.

Five of seven patients who reported skin irritation and peeling following use had finished the tube in less than 30 days.

“Patients reported improvement in both hyperpigmentation and in quality of life, suggesting a high level of satisfaction with treatment,” the researchers wrote. “The advantages of the long shelf life product may also include decreased cost via decreased physician and pharmacist time; however, these data confirm that treatment with the new product effectively improves self-assessed quality of life and hyperpigmentation.”

For more information:

Fleming J. #5700. Combination (hydroquinone 5%, tretinoin 0.1%, and hydrocortisone 1%) cream in treating facial hyperpigmentation; a retrospective patient satisfaction study. Presented at: The 70th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. March 16-20, 2012. San Diego, Calif.