Yafteh

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Melasma is a common acquired cutaneous hyperpigmentation involving sunexposed areas of face predominantly in women: several treatment modalities including topical depigmenting agents are being used in management of this condition with varying results. Hydroquinon is the gold standard in treatment of melasma. Liquorice extract contains natural ingredients such as glabridin and Liquiritin which collectively have multiple effects on skin including skin lightening effect. This study was conducted to compare the clinical efficacy of 4% Hydroquinon and 4% Licorice extract creams in the treatment of melasma. Material and methods: This clinical trial study was carried out on 38 women who had melasma with bilateral symmetrical hyperpigmentation of malar areas. The hydroquinone and licorice extract creams were applied to the opposite sides of the face once a day at night for 8 weeks. Mmasi scores were separately measured for each side of the face at the base line and every 2 weeks thereafter. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software and Friedman and Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Results: 27 of the patients used the drugs regularly until the end of the study.The mmasi score decreased from 10.59±6.10 to 2.59±2.17 in the treatment (licorice) group and from 0.81±6.34 to 1.63±1.55 in the control (hydroquinone) group after 8 wks. The data showed that a significant decrease in mmasi occurred on the side treated with liquorice after the 8 weeks (P<0.001), while the decrease in mmasi was significantly higher on the side treated with hydroquinone(P=0.002). Conclusion: Although a significant decrease in mmasi from the baseline occurred on the side treated with 4% liqurice extract cream at the end of the study ( P<0.001), 4% hydroquinone cream was significantly more effective in this respect than 4% licorice cream (P=0.002).

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Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin disorders and Isotretinoin has widely been used as a treatment for its severe and resistant cases in recent years. Considering the controversy over the effect of systemic Isotretinoin on reducing the plasma level of folic acid and the negative effect of this reduction on health, this study was conducted to assess the influence of systemic Isotretinoin on the plasma level of folic acid during the years 2008 and 2009 in Khorramabad city. Materials and Methods: 61 patients including 38 women and 23 men with severe or moderate acne (age mean 23.6+6 y/o) who were resistant to conventional treatments were supplemented with 0.5mg/kg/day of oral Isotretinoin for 30 days. They were instructed not to use any other drugs with an effect on folic acid level or change their diet. The serum levels of folic acid were measured at the baseline and at the end of the treatment period. The statistical analyses were carried out using the paired T-test. Results: The mean levels of folic acid were 26.75+9.42 nmol/lit and 23.6+8.42 nmol/lit at the baseline and after 30 days of Isotretinoin supplementation respectively. This showed a significant decrease in plasma folic acid level (p=0.008). Conclusion: This study revealed a significant reduction in plasma level of folic acid following a 30 day use of oral Isotretinoin in acne patients. Concerning the important role of folic acid in metabolic functions, we recommend further studies to assess the effect of longer periods of Isotretinoin treatment as well as other relevant factors on folic acid metabolism. Moreover, folic acid supplementation and simultaneous use of Isotretinoin is recommended in patients with acne.