Comparative study of therapeutic effects of 20% azelaic acid and hydroquinone 4% cream in the treatment of melasma

Background Melasma is an irregular brown or grayish‐brown symmetric facial hypermelanosis, often affecting women, especially those living in areas with intense ultraviolet radiation. Objective Comparison of therapeutic effects of 20% azelaic acid and 4% hydroquinone cream in the treatment of melasma. Methods Twenty‐nine women with melasma were recruited. Fifteen patients were treated with 4% hydroquinone cream and 14 patients were treated with azelaic acid cream for 2 months. The cream was applied twice daily. A broad‐spectrum sunscreen was used concomitantly by both groups. The Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) scores were determined prior to treatment and at each follow‐up. Results The mean MASI score before treatment was 7.2 ± 3.2 in the hydroquinone group and 7.6 ± 3.5 in the azelaic acid group, with no significant difference between them (t‐test, CI 95% = ?2.9 to 2.2). One month after treatment, the mean MASI score reached 6.7 ± 3.4 with hydroquinone and 6.3 ± 3.4 with azelaic acid with no significant difference between them (t‐test, CI 95% = ?2.2 to 3). After 2 months’ treatment, the MASI score was 6.2 ± 3.6 with hydroquinone and 3.8 ± 2.8 with azelaic acid, a significant statistical difference (t‐test, CI 95% = 0.03–4.9). Conclusions In conclusion, this study suggests that 20% azelaic acid cream applied twice daily may be more effective than hydroquinone 4% in reducing mild melasma. However, because this was an open trial, it is suggested that further studies involving large groups of patients be conducted to achieve a more conclusive result.