20-PERCENT AZELAIC ACID CREAM IN THE TOPICAL TREATMENT OF MELASMA - ADOUBLE-BLIND COMPARISON WITH 2-PERCENT HYDROQUINONE

The efficacy of a 20% azelaic acid (AzA) cream in the treatment of epi dermal and epidermo-dermal melasma was compared with that of a 2% hydr oquinone (HQ) cream In a randomized, double-blind study involving 340 patients. Both treatments were used in conjunction with a broad-spectr um sunscreen. Over the 24-week treatment period the 20% AzA cream (68. 9% good and excellent results) proved to be significantly and substant ially superior to the 2% HQ preparation (43.7% good and excellent resu lts). This was further supported by significant differences in the cla ssified percentage improvement and by the number of patients having ac hieved a bleaching of their melasma. Mild local side effects, In parti cular itching and burning sensations, were observed in about one third of the AzA patients. However, no serious adverse events, allergic sen sitization, leukoderma or exogenous ochronosis were associated with th e use of azelaic acid. In summary, it is concluded that 20% AzA cream may be considered an effective and safe, novel alternative in melasma therapy.