Evaluation of efficacy of chemical peeling with glycolic acid in hyperpigmentation disorders of the skin

Background : Chemical peeling entails application of chemical agents to the skin causing a controlled chemical burn, thereby achieving improved texture and quality of skin. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of glycolic acid in melasma and other causes of hyperpigmentation. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 patients were included in the study. After adequate priming, application of glycolic acid in various concentrations in biweekly interval for a period of 16 weeks was done. Post-treatment photographs were taken and were subjected to analysis. Results: Melasma constituted 11 patients and hyperpigmentation, ie, post acne marks and freckles due to sun exposure accounted nine patients. Complete resolution of melasma was possible only in one (9%) patient and good improvement in four (36.3%), whereas five (45.5%) patients showed fair improvement. In cases of hyperpigmentation, three (33%) patients showed excellent improvement, one (11%) showed good improvement, and five (55.5%) patients showed fair improvement. The patients of melasma took an average of 7.33 number of peels to show improvement and those of hyperpigmentation took 4.2 peels. Conclusions: Melasma shows fair to good improvement and requires more number of peels as compared to other causes of hyperpigmentation in skin. Postinflammatory pigmentation shows excellent improvement in the majority of patients.