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Liposomal tranexamic acid considered effective in treating melasma

Topical liposomal tranexamic acid was found to be safe and effective in treating melasma when compared with hydroquinone, according to study results.

Researchers in Iran conducted a double blind, split-face trail for 12 weeks among 30 women aged 18 years and older with bilateral melasma. The patients applied 5% topical liposomal tranexamic acid (TA) and 4% hydroquinone cream twice daily to designated sides of the face for 12 weeks. They also applied assigned sunscreen in the morning. The Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) was used to measure skin pigmentation on each side of face at baseline and every month until 1 month after treatment course.

SPSS software, paired sample t-test and repeated measured ANOVA were used to analyze data obtained from patient files.

There were 23 patients (age range, 25 to 47 years) who completed the study. Both treated sides showed mean MASI scores that were significantly reduced after week 12 (P < P = 0.001). While there was not a statistical difference, a greater decrease was seen with the 5% liposomal TA treatment.

The liposomal TA group had a mean MASI score of 14.72 at first visit, 7.69 at fourth visit and 6.73 at end of follow-up. The hydroquinone-treatment group had a mean MASI score of 14.6 at first visit, 7.86 at fourth visit and 7.6 at end of follow-up.

Three patients experienced irritation on the hydroquinone-treated side of the face, while liposomal TA treatment resulted in no serious adverse events.

“According to the findings of our study, topical liposomal TA can be considered as a safe and effective therapeutic option for the treatment of melasma with no significant side effect,” the researchers concluded. “However, the larger sample sizes are recommended.” – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: Healio.com/Aesthetics was unable to determine the researchers’ relative financial disclosures at time of publication.