COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF INTRADERMAL TRANEXAMIC ACID AND GLYCOLIC ACID PEEL IN REDUCING mMASI SCORES AMONG MELASMA PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Melasma is a common acquired hyperpigmentation disorder with variable therapeutic responses. Glycolic acid peels are an established adjunctive treatment for melasma, while intradermal tranexamic acid shows promising efficacy but requires further validation. Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of intradermal TXA injections versus 50% GA peels in patients with melasma. Methods: Results: The overall mean mMASI score significantly decreased from 7.90 ± 2.00 at baseline to 3.56 ± 2.01 at follow-up (p < 0.001). In the TXA group, mMASI reduced from 8.23 ± 1.74 to 2.33 ± 0.93, whereas in the GA group, it decreased from 7.57 ± 2.23 to 4.80 ± 2.06 (p < 0.001 for both). The reduction was greater in the TXA group. Both treatments were well tolerated, with mild and transient adverse effects such as erythema, pain, and burning sensation. Conclusion: Both intradermal TXA and GA peels are effective and safe for melasma management. Intradermal TXA demonstrated comparatively superior efficacy and higher patient satisfaction. However, larger multicentric studies with longer follow-up are required to validate these findings.