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Dermoscopic evaluation of tranexamic acid versus Vitamin C, with microneedling in the treatment of melasma: a comparative, split-face, single-blinded study

Abstract Background Melasma is a complex pigmentary disorder with challenging management. Objectives Evaluation of efficacy of topical tranexamic acid (TXA) versus Vitamin C (Vit C) with microneedling (MN) in melasma therapy. Materials and methods In 30 females with melasma, after 4 weeks of using Modified Kligman’s formula, the right side of the face was treated with MN + TXA and the left with MN + Vit C for five biweekly sessions. Wood’s light, dermoscopy, Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI), MASI malar right and malar left (MASIMR and MASIML), Visual Analogue Score (VAS), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were evaluated at weeks 0, 4, 12, and 16. Results Both MASIMR and MASIML decreased significantly (p < .001). Both sides exhibited significant diminution in dark fine granules (p-value < .001), homogeneous pigmentation (p-value = .005) and pseudoreticular brown network (p-value = .028). However, telangiectasia significantly improved only on the TXA treated side (p = .002). DLQI improved significantly on both sides (p < .001). In some patients transformation of mixed to dermal melasma was depicted. Conclusion MN followed by Vit C or TXA is successful in melasma management, the latter being advantageous vis-a-vis dermal vascularity and epidermal pigmentation. Dermoscopic evaluation appears crucial in choosing optimum treatment in each patient.