Evaluation of platelet-rich plasma efficacy in melasma.

Abstract

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is widely used in many dermatologic conditions, has also been used in the treatment of melasma in recent years. The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of PRP in melasma. Fifteen female patients with melasma participated in this study. Intradermal PRP was performed every 3 weeks for three times. We photographed all participants, performed Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI), and measured melanin and erythema index (EI) with mexameter before every session and 1 month after the last session. Patients self-assessment of pigmentation grade (0-10) were also employed at baseline and 1 month after the last procedure. Mean MASI of the patients reduced from 10 ± 3.6 to 7.3 ± 2.5. Melanin index (MI) and EI evaluated by mexameter reduced from 256.5 ± 31 to 238.9 ± 29.9 and from 329.9 ± 53.8 to 322.7 ± 77.6, respectively. Mean patients self-assessment score (PSS) reduced from 8.3 ± 1.3 to 5 ± 1.4. Mean MASI, MI, and PSS reduction after treatment was found significant (p = .001, p = .000, p = .000). Intradermal application of PRP is an effective option for treatment of melasma. It also has other benefits like improvement in skin appearance. Because recurrence is common in melasma, depigmenting agents should be used after all procedures.