Combination of Oral Tranexamic Acid and Glycolic Acid 50% Peel Vs. Oral Tranexamic Acid in  the Treatment of Melasma

Marya Aurahman; Ali Elethawi

Article Details

Combination of Oral Tranexamic Acid and Glycolic Acid 50% Peel Vs. Oral Tranexamic Acid in the Treatment of Melasma

Authors:

Marya Aurahman | Ali Elethawi

Publisher:

Kurdistan Higher Council of Medical Specialties

Journal:

Advanced medical journal Vol.11 Issue 3, pp.351-361

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

4/2026

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001931330

pISSN:

2958-8979

Keywords:

Abstract:

 Background and Objectives: Melasma remains a challenging condition due to the limited efficacy of current treatments. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of combining oral Tranexamic acid (TXA) with a 50% Glycolic acid peel versus oral TXA alone. Methods: A comparative clinical trial was conducted in Sulaimani, Iraq, from January to July 2024, enrolling 40 melasma patients randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (oral TXA + 50% Glycolic acid peel) and Group B (oral TXA alone). Follow-up assessments, including modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) scores, were performed every four weeks to evaluate treatment efficacy. Results: The average patient age was 35.97 ± 4.88 years (range: 25–45), with 92.5% (n=37) female and 70.0% (n=28) having a family history of melasma. Fitzpatrick skin type IV was most common (55.0%, n=22), followed by III (22.5%, n=9), II (17.5%, n=7), and V (5.0%, n=2). Dermal melasma was dominant (57.5%, n=23), followed by mixed (30.0%, n=12) and epidermal (12.5%, n=5). Group A (TXA + glycolic acid) showed a greater mMASI reduction (11.47 ± 5.37 to 4.43 ± 1.36, P<0.001) than TXA alone (11.19 ± 5.56 to 6.90 ± 1.94, P<0.001). Epidermal melasma responded best to combination therapy (mMASI=3.1 ± 0.99) vs. dermal (5.0 ± 1.21, P=0.05) and mixed (3.48 ± 1.07, P=0.026). Conclusion: The combination of TXA and glycolic acid peel significantly improved melasma treatment, with greater mMASI reduction than TXA alone, highlighting its enhanced efficacy.

Article Details

Combination of Oral Tranexamic Acid and Glycolic Acid 50% Peel Vs. Oral Tranexamic Acid in the Treatment of Melasma

Authors:

Marya Aurahman | Ali Elethawi

Publisher:

Kurdistan Higher Council of Medical Specialties

Journal:

Advanced medical journal Vol.11 Issue 3, pp.351-361

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

4/2026

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001931330

pISSN:

2958-8979

Glycolic peel

Melasma

Melasma Area and Severity Index Tranexamic Acid

Issues

Article Details

Combination of Oral Tranexamic Acid and Glycolic Acid 50% Peel Vs. Oral Tranexamic Acid in the Treatment of Melasma

Authors: Marya Aurahman | Ali Elethawi

Publisher: Kurdistan Higher Council of Medical Specialties

Journal: Advanced medical journal Vol.11 Issue 3, pp.351-361

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 4/2026

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001931330

pISSN: 2958-8979

Glycolic peel

Melasma

Melasma Area and Severity Index Tranexamic Acid

Issues

Authors:

Marya Aurahman | Ali Elethawi

Publisher:

Kurdistan Higher Council of Medical Specialties

Journal:

Advanced medical journal Vol.11 Issue 3, pp.351-361

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

4/2026

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001931330

pISSN:

2958-8979