Background: Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder that is often difficult to treat. Tranexamic acid (TA) has emerged as a promising treatment for melasma; however, few controlled studies exist.
Objective: To determine the efficacy of oral TA in patients with moderate-to-severe melasma.
Methods: Patients with moderate-to-severe melasma were treated with 250 mg of TA or placebo capsules twice daily for 3 months and sunscreen followed by 3 months of treatment with sunscreen only. The primary outcome measure was the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) score.
Results: A total of 44 patients were enrolled and 39 completed the study. At 3 months, there was a 49% reduction in mMASI score in the TA group versus 18% in the control group. Patients with severe melasma improved more than those with moderate melasma. Three months after treatment was stopped, there was a 26% reduction in mMASI score in the TA group compared with the baseline visit versus a 19% reduction in the placebo arm. No serious adverse events were noted in either group.
Limitations: Single-center study enrolling predominantly Hispanic women.
Conclusions: Oral TA appears to be an effective treatment for moderate-to-severe melasma with minimal side effects.
Keywords: Hispanic; evidence-based medicine; melanin; melasma; pigmentation; randomized controlled trial; tranexamic acid.
Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.