Microabrasion versus microabrasion followed by 15% trichloroacetic acid for treatment of cutaneous hyperpigmentations in adult females

BACKGROUND. Cutaneous hyperpigmentations are common skin disorders that are often refractory to currently available treatments. OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the efficacy of microabrasion alone or microabrasion with 15% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for treatment of cutaneous hyperpigmentations. METHODS. Twenty female patients were treated with microabrasion alone every 2 weeks (group 1), and 20 female patients were treated with microabrasion and application of 15% TCA every 3 weeks (group 2). All patients underwent up to eight treatments. The overall duration of treatment ranged from 2 to 4 months. RESULTS. In group 1, a complete remission was observed in 8 of 20 cases (40%), partial remission in 10 of 20 cases (50%), and no remission in 2 of 20 cases (10%). In group 2, a complete remission was observed in 10 of 20 cases (50%), a partial remission in 8 of 20 cases (40%), and no remission in 2 of 20 cases (10%). No unexpected or serious side effects were observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS. Microabrasion alone or microabrasion with 15% TCA is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for cutaneous hyperpigmentations.