Skin needling to enhance depigmenting serum penetration in the treatment of melasma

G Fabbrocini, V De Vita, N Fardella, F Pastore, M C Annunziata, M C Mauriello, A Monfrecola, N Cameli, G Fabbrocini, V De Vita, N Fardella, F Pastore, M C Annunziata, M C Mauriello, A Monfrecola, N Cameli

Abstract

Melasma is a common hypermelanotic disorder affecting the facial area which has a considerable psychological impact on the patient. Managing melasma is a difficult challenge that requires long-term treatment with a number of topical agents, such as rucinol and sophora-alpha. Aims. We aim to compare the combined treatment of skin needling and depigmenting serum with that using depigmenting serum alone in the treatment of melasma, in order to evaluate the use of microneedles as a means to enhance the drug's transdermal penetration. Methods. Twenty patients were treated with combined skin needling and depigmenting serum on one side of the face and with depigmenting serum alone on the other side. The outcome was evaluated periodically for up to two months using the Melasma Area Severity Index score and the Spectrocolorimeter X-Rite 968. Results. The side with combined treatment (skin needling + depigmenting serum) presented a statistically significant reduction in MASI score and luminosity index (L) levels compared to the side treated with depigmenting serum alone, and clinical symptoms were significantly improved. Conclusions. Our study suggests the potential use of combining skin needling with rucinol and sophora-alpha compounds to achieve better results in melasma treatment compared to rucinol and sophora-alpha alone.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Digital standard photograph of a 44-year-old patient affected with melasma.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Digital UV photograph of a 44-year-old patient affected with melasma.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Spectrocolorimeter X-rite 968.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Dermaroller CIT 8: professional device.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Dermaroller C8: home device.
Figure 6
Figure 6
UV digital photograph of 42-year-old woman at baseline.
Figure 7
Figure 7
UV digital photograph of a 42-year-old woman treated by using skin needling with depigmenting serum (two months after the baseline).
Figure 8
Figure 8
UV digital photograph of 42-year old woman at baseline.
Figure 9
Figure 9
UV digital photograph of a 42-year-old woman treated by using depigmenting serum alone (two months after the baseline).

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Source: PubMed

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