Abstract
BACKGROUND: Chemical peels are the mainstay of a cosmetic practitioner's armamentarium because they can be used to treat some skin disorders and can provide aesthetic benefit. OBJECTIVES: To compare 15% TCA peel and 35% glycolic acid peel for the treatment of melasma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected 30 participants of melasma aged between 20 and 50 years from the dermatology outpatient department and treated equal numbers with 15% TCA and 35% glycolic acid. RESULTS: Subjective response as graded by the patient showed good or very good response in 70% participants in the glycolic acid group and 64% in the TCA group. CONCLUSIONS: There was statistically insignificant difference in the efficacy between the two groups for the treatment of melasma.