Publication:

Clinical efficacy and safety of 20% glycolic acid versus 30% lactic acid peel in constitutional type of periorbital melanosis: a comparative study

Background Periorbital melanosis (POM) is a common aesthetic condition with significant impact. Chemical peeling is a frequently used treatment; yet, an ideal peeling agent is however to find. The aim of the study was to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of 20% glycolic acid (GA) and 30% lactic acid (LA) peels in POM.

Methods With approval and consent, the study was conducted from September 2016-August 2017. Patients aged 18-60 years of both sexes, having a constitutional POM were enrolled. Patients known to be allergic to the peeling agents were excluded. Alternate patients were enrolled into Gr-G (20% GA) and Gr-L (30% LA) and were treated every 3 weeks, for 3 sessions and evaluated till 9 weeks. Clinical improvement using POM grading, patients’ global assessment, satisfaction, and physician's global satisfaction were noted. Data are presented in number, percentages and mean±standard deviation. INSTAT software was used for statistical analysis; p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results Fifty-six (27 in Gr-G, 29 in Gr-L) were enrolled; 70.37% and 68.97% completed the study. Demographic variables, baseline POM grade, and skin types were similar. Compared to baseline, both Gr-G and Gr-L showed significant improvement (p<0.0001). Patient-reported significantly higher improvement in Gr-L (p=0.008) and higher satisfaction. Both the peeling agents were tolerated well with statistically indifferent adverse effects.

Conclusions Both GA and LA are useful in the aesthetic treatment of the constitutional type of POM. Three sessions of 30% LA peel appears to be better than 20% GA peeling used at 3 weeks apart.