A Study Comparing the Use of 10% L-Ascorbic Acid and 10% Zinc Sulfate Solution in the Treatment of Melasma
- Author:
Satya Wydya Yenny
;
Wahyu Lestari
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Melasma, 10% L-Ascorbic acid, 10% Zinc sulphate
- From:Malaysian Journal of Dermatology
2012;29(-):38-45
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background Melasma is a hypermelanosis which is difficult to treat. There are
several treatment options for melasma and one of them is topical therapy using 10%
L-Ascorbic acid and 10% Zinc sulfate.
Aim To compare the efficacy and side effects of 8 weeks 10% L-Ascorbic acid solution
with 10% Zinc sulfate on melasma.
Methods This is an observational study with cross sectional design and single-blind,
comparing the left and right side of the faces sequentially (right-left comparison study)
with each treatment 10% L-Ascorbic acid and 10% Zinc sulfate applied at night. In
the morning and afternoon patients uses sunscreen SPF 30. Only new patients with
melasma seen at Dermatology Polyclinic Dr M Djamil Hospital Padang from March
2012 to May 2012 were included in this study.
Results 20 melasma patients were studied. Their ages range from 25-54 years. 12 (60%)
had combination triggering factors. All patients had epidermal type of melasma with
65% located over the centrofacial and 35% on the malar zones. After 2 months of
treatment there was significant improvement of melasma treated with 10% Zinc
sulfate and 10% L-Ascorbic acid with a P value of <0.05. Minimal side effects were
found with Zinc sulfate.
Conclusion Improvement of melasma was noted with both topical 10% L-Ascorbic
acid and 10% Zinc sulfate but minimal side effects were noted with the use of 10%
Zinc sulfate.
