Background: Melasma, a commonly acquired hypermelanosis, characterized by irregular brownish macules distributed symmetrically on areas exposed to sun such as the face, particularly over the forehead and malar areas. some inflammatory mediators are involved in melasma pathogenesis. Coticosteroid suppressive effect on these mediators may explain its therapeutic effect in melasma treatment.
Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of Intralesional Triamcinolone versus Kligman's Formula in Treatment of Melasma.
Methods: This study was conducted on 44 female patients at outpatient clinic of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology Department at Zagazig University . Forty‐four female patients with melasma were divided in to two groups; group1 (treatment group) included 22 patients who were treated by intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide and group 2(control group), included 22 patients who were treated by kligman's formula once daily for 3 months. All patients were evaluated by dermoscope before treatment and at each follow up visit to record any adverse effects of treatment..A written informed consent was taken from each subject after explaining to them the details about the nature of study and after obtaining approval from Institutional Review Board (IRB).IRB approval number is (4452).
Results: the severity of melasma significantly decreased in both groups at the end of third month. There was no statistically significant difference in the therapeutic response between both groups. No side effects were reported with triamcinolone injection except for mild pain during injection, while kligman's formula was associated with burning sensation.
Conclusion: Intralesional triamcinolone microinjection could be a novel treatment method for melasma.