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Evaluation of platelet-rich plasma efficacy in melasma
Ayda Acar1, Ayris Ozturk1, Nur Sokmen1
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Ege University Medical Faculty, Izmir, Türkiye.
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.
Insights
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) effectively treats melasma by reducing severity and pigmentation. This study shows significant improvement in melasma symptoms after intradermal PRP injections, offering a promising therapeutic option.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Melasma is a common hyperpigmentation disorder.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is increasingly explored for dermatologic treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of intradermal Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in treating melasma.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen female patients with melasma received three sessions of intradermal PRP every three weeks.
- Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI), melanin index (MI), and erythema index (EI) were measured.
- Patient self-assessment scores (PSS) were recorded before and after treatment.
Main Results:
- Mean MASI decreased from 10 ± 3.6 to 7.3 ± 2.5 (p=0.001).
- Mean MI reduced from 256.5 ± 31 to 238.9 ± 29.9 (p=0.000).
- Mean PSS decreased significantly from 8.3 ± 1.3 to 5 ± 1.4 (p=0.000).
Conclusions:
- Intradermal PRP is an effective treatment for melasma, improving skin appearance.
- Continued use of depigmenting agents is recommended post-treatment due to melasma's common recurrence.
