摘要

Objectives: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LA peels and combination peel formulas for treating PIH in the body skinfold areas of Indonesian patients with Fitzpatrick skin types III-IV, using a split-body method Introduction: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a type of acquired pigmentation disorder that develops after inflammation or injury to the skin. Skinfolds PIH is associated with continuous irritation or friction, hair removal procedure, infection, and inflammation. These causative factors will result in the release of inflammatory mediators and trigger excessive production of melanin. Materials / method: A prospective randomized clinical study with an 8-week treatment protocol (4 sessions at 2-week intervals and a follow-up at weeks 2,4,6, and 8) by split-body. Chemical peels were applied on each armpit or groin (right side applied with 20% LA peels and left side with combination peels) and neutralized with sodium bicarbonate solution. The improvement of pigmentary changes was done by luminosity score according to Von Luschan’s scale at baseline and the final follow-up visits. Clinical improvement was assessed by using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale, and side effects were recorded. Results: There were 50% axillary PIH and 50% inguinal PIH with SPTs III (65%) and IV (35%). Both sides of the axilla or inguinal showed a significant reduction of L*Δ scores after four sessions of treatment (P <0.001). However, a higher percentage of pigment reduction and GAIS satisfaction scores were in the LA-treated areas compared to the combination peels-treated areas. Adverse effects of both chemical peels were considered mild and well-tolerated (such as desquamation, erythema, itchiness, and pain (VAS score 0-4, gradually decreased). Conclusion: Both chemical peels consisted of 20% lactic acid, and combination peels (containing azelaic acid, resorcinol, phytic acid, and tranexamic acid) were effective and safe for treating axillary or inguinal post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in Indonesian’s SPT III-IV.