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Treatment of Melasma With Yellow Light Compared to Tranexamic Acid

Photobiomodulation With Yellow Light in the Treatment of Melasma: Clinical Trial, Randomized, Controlled, Double Blind.

Status
Terminated
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05326997
Enrollment
21
Registered
2022-04-14
Start date
2023-05-01
Completion date
2023-10-30
Last updated
2024-10-21

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Melasma

Keywords

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Melasma, Photobiomodulation, Tranexamic Acid

Brief summary

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been suggested as an alternative treatment for Melasma, showed by the in vitro data, inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme and reduction in the pigment content by autophagy. This treatment compares with tranexamic acid, where it acts on similar pathways of melanogenesis. A total of 54 female participants, phototype scale Fitzpatrick ll - lV will be recruited which will be distributed among two groups: Light + placebo Home Care cosmetic product and Light sham + Home Care cosmetic product with tranexamic acid. The treatments will consist of 90 days, with application of photobiomodulation (PBM) once a week and application of the cosmetic product twice a day.

Detailed description

This is a controled, randomized, double blind, two arms clinical trial. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation with amber light in the treatment of Melasma compared to the effect of tranexamic acid. The sample will be divided into 2 groups: Group 1 will receive PBM with amber Light Emitting Diode (LED) (DMC E-Light ABR), 20 J/cm² and placebo topical cosmetic for use in home care; Group 2 will receive PBM sham and topical cosmetic containing 5% liposomal tranexamic acid for use in home care. A total of 54 women with facial Melasma, aged 35 to 50 will be included. The treatments will consist of 12 sessions, once a week for 3 months. The severity of Melasma will be evaluated through the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI index), the pigmentation of the epidermis will be evaluated by corneomelametry, photographic records and the quality of life questionnaire (MELASQoL-PB) will also be made.

Interventions

DEVICEPhotobiomodulation group

Participants will have their face sanitized with micellar water (a cosmetic product for cleaning and makeup remover), followed by cleaning with soap. Then, the eyes will be protected with gauze, proper glasses and a black towel on top, a headset with relaxation music will also be placed and then the face will receive the treatment with yellow light. After the session the face will receive sunscreen. A placebo cosmetic will be given to the participant to be applied twice a day and daily sunscreen.

OTHERGroup control (Tranexamic acid)

Participants will have their face sanitized with micellar water. Then, the eyes will be protected with gauze, proper glasses and a black towel on top, a headset with relaxation music will also be placed and then the face will receive the treatment with yellow light sham. The person responsible for applying the PBM will simulate the irradiations by positioning the device in the same places described for the PBM group, however, the equipment will be kept off. After the session the face will receive sunscreen. Will be delivered to patients, liposomal tranexamic acid with use 2 x a day home care and daily sunscreen.

Sponsors

University of Nove de Julho
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

Neither the participants involved in the study, nor the outcomes assessor will be aware of the groups formed, as well as the treatments received.

Intervention model description

All participants will receive a skin preparation with enzymatic peeling, for homogeneity in the thickness of the stratum corneum among the participants and to reduce the unwanted reflection of photons. One week after the application of the peeling, the pre-treatment evaluation will be carried out and the participants will receive the intervention related to their treatment group, according to the allocation given by randomization. The area to be treated will be sanitized with Rennova® Beauté Micellar Water for makeup/sunscreen removal. Then, a cleaning foam based on 10% urea from Vivence laboratory will be used and also removed with gauze. After randomization, the study population will be divided into two groups (n=28 per group), wich are: (1) Group A - PBM with yellow LED application + placebo cosmetic treatment Home Care 2x per day, (2) Group B - PBM sham + treatment with 5% liposomal tranexamic acid Home Care cosmetic cream 2x per day.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
35 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Feminine gender * Age between 35 to 50 years * Phototypes l to lV of the Fitzpatrick scale * Facial melasma * Healthy participants without clinical skin comorbidities (psoriasis, vitiligo, rosacea and dermatoses)

Exclusion criteria

* Pre-existing systemic diseases, autoimmune diseases, digestive system disease * Polycystic ovary * Isotretinoin drug use (less than 6 months) * Sequelae of an accident on the face that interferes with the facial treatment * Undertakes any treatment for topical or oral Melasma at the time of the research or less than 3 months ago * Uses retinoic acid, vitamin A derivatives, photosensitizing drugs * Skin pathologies on the face * Glaucoma, cataract, cancer patients, pregnant women, lactating women * Uses oral or intrauterine contraceptives (IUD) * Thyroid disorders * Use of hormone replacement * Bacterial, viral and fungal infections * Tendency to form keloids

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
MASI (Melasma Area and Severity Index)Before treatment (week 0).Determines the affected area and the severity of Melasma, through visual analysis of the affected site and attribution of scores

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
CorneomelametryBefore (week 0), at half (week 6) and after treatment (week 12).Quantifies the melanin present in the epidermis, specifically in the stratum corneum. A direct sample of the participant's skin will be collected with cyanoacrylate strippings (CSSS)
PhotographyBefore (week 0), at half (week 6) and after treatment (week 12).Registry of photographs at white and wood lamp
Final global diagnosis of the skin.Before (week 0), at half (week 6) and after treatment (week 12).Clinical subjective measure with the aid of photographic records, in relation to the change by the severity of Melasma of pigmentation after treatment
The MELASQoL questionnaire, (Melasma Quality of Life Scale)Before (week 0), at half (week 6) and after treatment (week 12).Evaluates the impact of Melasma on the quality of life of those affected by the disease and will be applied with the aim of evaluating facial self-image and their degree of satisfaction.
Adverse EffectsAt half (week 6) and after treatment (week 12).Registry of any discomfort or unexpected effect of the treatment

Countries

Brazil

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 9, 2026