TREATMENT OF MELASMA WITH MICRODERMABRASION AND COMBINATION OF TOPICAL SKIN CARE REGIMEN 22% ASCORBIC ACID (AA), 19% GLYCERIN (G) AND 5% BORAGE VEGETABLE OIL (BVO)

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combination of topical skin care regimen 22% ascorbic acid (AA), 19% glycerin (G) and 5% borage vegetable oil (BVO) and microdermabrasion in the treatment of refractory melasma Design: An open-label uncontrolled trail Setting: Department of General Surgery Jinnah Hospital Karachi Period: From December 2014 to May 2015. Methods: Total 18 female patients were selected using convenience sampling technique who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected. Melasma type was identified with the help of wood's lamp. All participants underwent microdermabrasion twice monthly for three months with combined treatment of skin care regimen. Monthly follow up assessment was done during treatment. Results: This painless combined treatment was successful in all participants. Most of the patients results in fifty percent of clearance in first month of therapy. Two patients noted mild exacerbation of melasma with sun exposure however; this was resolved with topical skin care regimen. Due to dramatic improvement of melasma, an excellent compliance was observed in patients. Conclusion: in Asian population combined treatment of microdermabrasion with topical regimen were found safe and effective in refractory melasma.