Comparison of the Efficacy of 0.05% Tretinoin With 7% Alpha-Hydroxy Acid Cream in the Treatment of Ephelides: A Controlled Clinical Trial

Background and Aim: Anti-inflammatory and hypo- pigmenting effects of topical tretinoin and alpha-hydroxy acids have been documented. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of 0.05% tretinion cream with 7% alpha-hydroxy acid in the treatment of ephelides. Methods: In this clinical trial 80 patients with ephelides were selected and allocated into two groups. One group was treated with 0.05% tretinoin cream every other night. The other group was treated with 7% alpha-hydroxy acid cream in the same manner. Both groups were treated with antisolar creams and followed every month for 5 months. Results: After 5 months excellent therapeutic response was achieved in 3 (7.5%) of patients who were treated with 0.05% tretinoin cream compared to 8 (20%) in alpha-hydroxy acid cream. Good therapeutic response was observed in 20 (50%) of tretinoin group versus 16 (40%) in alpha-hydroxy acid group. Patient's satisfaction from treatment was consistent with evaluation by dermatologists (P=0.384 and P=0.132). Conclusion: Both 0.05% tretinoin cream and 7% alpha-hydroxy acid cream are equally efficient in the treatment of ephelides.