The use of tranexamic acid in the treatment of melasma

Abstract

Introduction: The skin is the organ that controls the entry and exit of substances from the body. It suffers many aggressions external and internal that can generate visible modifications, as is the case of dyschromia. Melasma is a hyperchromic dyschromia related to increased melanin production because of the action of both internal agents and external agents. It is characterized by brownish hyperpigmentation that occurs on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, especially in the face. The treatment of melasma is carried out by means of depigmenting and bleaching agents, whose objective is to reduce melanin production, to inhibit the formation of melanosomes and to promote their degradation. The chemical peeling, which is carried out through the application of acids that act in the skin peeling and the elimination of dead cells, is a treatment option that promotes cell renewal. Tranexamic acid has a bleaching effect on existing stains and prevents pigmentation induced by ultraviolet (UV) rays, thus avoiding the appearance of other stains. Objective: This study aims to gather scientific data demonstrating the efficacy of tranexamic acid in the treatment of melasma. Methodology: Articles and scientific journals, searched in Pubmed, Scielo, Lilacs and Google Academic databases, as well as books of the Uniararas Library, were used the basis for this study. Conclusion: The use of tranexamic acid is effective in the treatment of melasma, a dysfunction that affects a large part of the female population, both for bleaching of the spots and for prevention of pigmentation caused by UV radiation.