A Pilot Study for Triple Combination Therapy with a Low-Fluence 1064 nm Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser, Hydroquinone Cream, and Oral Tranexamic Acid for Recalcitrant Riehl’s Melanosis

    Hyuck Hoon Kwon, Jungyoon Ohn, Dae Hun Suh, Hae Young Park, Seohee Choi, Ji Ye Jung, In Ho Kwon, Gyeong Hun Park
    TLDR The combination therapy significantly improved Riehl’s melanosis in patients without serious side effects.
    This pilot study evaluated a novel combination therapy for recalcitrant Riehl’s melanosis using a low-fluence 1064 nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, hydroquinone cream, and oral tranexamic acid in 8 patients. The results showed that 3 patients achieved an "Almost clear" grade, while the remaining 5 experienced "Marked improvement." Significant decreases in mean Melanin and Erythema Indexes were observed, and histopathological examination confirmed a notable reduction in melanin content. No serious adverse events or post-treatment downtime were reported, suggesting this combination therapy could be a viable option for Asian patients at high risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
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