Are there non-hydroquinone alternative treatments for melasma?
Yes, there several other treatments in addition to topical hydroquinone treatment, and these include the use of azelaic acid topical creams, tretinoin cream, and avid tranexamic cream.
Azelaic acid creams:
Azelaic acid creams do not contain any hydroquinone chemical and are very helpful in treating the symptoms of melasma. Moreover, the scientific studies confirm that the dose of 15% to 20% azelaic acid concentration is very effective in treating melasma. In comparison with hydroquinone treatment, the topical creams containing azelaic acid are much safer to use. However, the results of spot reduction are almost 4% less effective from the use of azelaic acid creams in comparison with hydroquinone creams.
The studies do not report any complications resulting from the use of azelaic acid treatment plan for melasma patients. There is the presence of some minor side effects from the use of azelaic acid cream, which includes itching, burning sensation, and tingling. Moreover, in some patients with sensitive skin, there is also a possibility of redness of the skin and dry patches on the affected area. The frequent use of azelaic acid for a period of 15 to 20 days gives the optimum results of fading the dark patches.