Introduction. We undertook a prospective, interventional study to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of Intense Pulsed light (IPL) treatment of melasma in dark skin phenotypes.
Material and Methods. The study was conducted in 32 patients of skin type IV and V. IPL with 640 nm and 690 nm filters was used. The patients were called once a month to undergo 6 sessions. Melasma area and severity index (MASI) and Clinician Global Impression Scores were used for evaluation. We followed “per protocol” analysis.
Results. Out of 26 patients who completed the treatment, 12 patients showed improvement, MASI remained unchanged in 10 patients and 4 patients showed deterioration. MASI scores before and after treatment were 6.70 ± 3.53 and 6.32 ± 3.90 (p value=0.6891). Erythema and pain were the common side effects noted. Seventeen out of 32 patients had thyroid disorders.
Conclusion. IPL should be avoided as a first line therapy in darker skin type. However, it can be used as an adjuvant therapy in some cases after careful deliberations.
