OUTCOME OF TOPICAL 10% ZINC SULFATE SOLUTION IN THE TREATMENT OF MELASMA

Abstract

Objective: To determine the mean decrease in MASI score after topical 10% zinc sulfate solution in treatment of melasma. Back ground: Melasma is a common, acquired, benign skin disorder, characterized by symmetrical hyperpigmented patches on exposed areas, predominantly the face. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of topical zinc sulphate solution (10%) in the treatment of melasma. Methods: This quasi experimental study was done at department of dermatology Sir Ganga Ram Hospital/Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, from November, 2016 to May, 2017. Seventy patients, who had epidermal type of melasma on face (assessed by woods lamp examination), of any severity and duration, were selected. All patients underwent treatment with 10% topical zinc sulfate solution twice daily for 8 weeks. The patients were advised to use sunscreen during day . The severity of melasma was assessed by MASI score at baseline and one day after completion of 8 weeks therapy. The findings were recorded on a predesigned proforma for each patient. MASI score next day after the completion of treatment was subtracted from the baseline MASI score for each patient and then mean decrease in MASI score was calculated. Results: All 70 patients completed the study. 14.3% (n=10) were male and 85.7% (n=60) were females, with mean age of 33.23+6.75 year. We recorded mean decrease in MASI score before and after treatment as 4.76+1.72 (47.36%). Conclusion: Study showed that topical 10% zinc sulfate solution is a cheap, safe and effective agent for the treatment of melasma in our population.