What is the best treatment for melasma in the mustache area?

From the Guidelines

The most effective treatment for melasma in the mustache area is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, as it has been shown to significantly improve melasma within 6 weeks of treatment, with a mean MASI reduction and improved patient satisfaction, as demonstrated in recent studies 1.

Key Considerations

• PRP therapy has been found to be effective as an adjuvant therapy and as a standalone treatment for melasma, inducing collagen synthesis and improving skin quality and texture 1.
• The use of autologous platelet concentrates, such as PRP, in esthetic medicine has been increasingly recognized, with studies demonstrating its efficacy in treating melasma 1.
• When considering treatment options, it is essential to prioritize a combination approach that includes strict sun protection, topical therapies, and procedural treatments, as melasma is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management 1.

Treatment Approach

• PRP therapy should be considered as a first-line treatment option, given its demonstrated efficacy and safety profile 1.
• Topical therapies, such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, and corticosteroids, may be used in conjunction with PRP therapy to enhance treatment outcomes.
• Maintenance therapy with non-hydroquinone agents, such as azelaic acid, kojic acid, or vitamin C serums, is recommended to prevent recurrence 1.

Important Notes

• Melasma is a chronic condition that requires regular follow-ups and ongoing management to prevent recurrence 1.
• The treatment approach should be individualized, taking into account the patient's skin type, severity of melasma, and medical history 1.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the efficacy and safety of PRP therapy in the treatment of melasma, but current evidence suggests it is a promising treatment option 1.

From the Research

Treatment Options for Melasma in the Mustache Area

• The treatment of melasma, including in the mustache area, can involve various topical creams and peels, as well as sun protection measures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• Topical treatments such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and retinoic acid have been studied for their efficacy in reducing melasma pigmentation 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• A study comparing 4% niacinamide and 4% hydroquinone found that both treatments improved pigmentation, with 44% of patients showing good to excellent improvement with niacinamide and 55% with hydroquinone 2.
• Another study found that 20% azelaic acid cream may be more effective than 4% hydroquinone in reducing mild melasma, especially after 2 months of treatment 3.
• The use of retinoic acid in combination with hydroquinone has been suggested as an effective treatment for melasma, with the addition of sunscreen for optimal results 4, 5, 6.
• A combination cream of fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%, and tretinoin 0.05% has been shown to be safe and efficacious for up to 12 months in treating melasma, with most patients experiencing significant improvement 6.
• Glycolic acid peels, potentially primed with hydroquinone or tretinoin, can also be an effective treatment option, though the choice of priming agent can influence outcomes, with hydroquinone potentially offering better results than tretinoin in some cases 5.