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Azelaic Acid 20% vs Hydroquinone 4% in Epidermal Melasma

NCT07327983 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 146

Last updated 2026-01-08

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Melasma is a common skin condition that causes dark patches on the face and can significantly affect quality of life. This study compared two commonly used topical treatments, 20% azelaic acid and 4% hydroquinone, in adults with epidermal melasma.

Participants with epidermal melasma were randomly assigned to receive either azelaic acid 20% or hydroquinone 4% for a period of 12 weeks. The severity of melasma was assessed at baseline and monthly using the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score. Side effects such as irritation, redness, burning, itching, and dryness were also monitored throughout the study.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of azelaic acid and hydroquinone in reducing melasma severity and to determine whether azelaic acid can be used as a safe alternative to hydroquinone.

Conditions

  • Melasma
  • Melasma (Facial Melasma)

Interventions

DRUG

Topical Azelaic Acid 20% Cream

Topical azelaic acid 20% cream was applied in intervention group to affected facial areas once daily for 12 weeks. The intervention is used to reduce hyperpigmentation in patients with melasma.

DRUG

Topical 4% hydroquinone cream

The other intervention isTopical application of hydroquinone 4% cream to affected facial areas once daily for 12 weeks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Gujranwala medical college District Headquarters Hospital, Gujranwala

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-05-04
Primary Completion
2025-11-03
Completion
2025-11-03

Countries

  • Pakistan

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07327983 on ClinicalTrials.gov