Pigmentation Abnormalities
Patients with vitiligo have low catalase levels in their epidermis in association with high levels of hydrogen peroxide. Topical application of a UVB-activated pseudocatalase cream can successfully remove epidermal H2O2 resulting in a remarkable repigmentation.
J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc 1999 Sep;4(1):91-6
In vivo and in vitro evidence for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation in the epidermis of patients with vitiligo and its successful removal by a UVB-activated pseudocatalase.
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Researchers concluded that “although hydroquinone showed a better response, ascorbic acid may play a role in the therapy of melasma as it is almost devoid of side-effects; it could be used alone or in combination therapy.”
Int J Dermatol. 2004 Aug;43(8):604-7.
A double-blind randomized trial of 5% ascorbic acid vs. 4% hydroquinone in melasma.
Espinal-Perez LE, Moncada B, Castanedo-Cazares JP.
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Melasma is a circumscribed brown macular hyperpigmentation of areas of the face and neck that are exposed to light, and is aggravated by sunlight, birth control pills, and pregnancy. This study demonstrates that a cream containing hydroquinone, glycolic acid, vitamins C and E, and sunscreen is a safe and effective treatment therapy for melasma.
Int J Dermatol. 2003 Dec;42(12):966-72.
Safety and efficacy of 4% hydroquinone combined with 10% glycolic acid, antioxidants, and sunscreen in the treatment of melasma.
Guevara IL, Pandya AG.
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The antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) has an antiproliferative effect on human keratinocytes and NAC has been used topically to satisfactorily treat lamellar ichthyosis.
Lancet. 1999 Nov 27;354(9193):1880.
Topical N-acetylcysteine for lamellar ichthyosis.
Redondo P, Bauzá A.
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Topically applied NAC can prevent skin irritation resulting from radiotherapy and protects from sun-induced erythema.
Semin Oncol. 1983 Mar;10(1 Suppl 1):86-92.
Topical use of N-acetylcysteine for reduction of skin reaction to radiation therapy.
Kim JA, Baker DG, Hahn SS, Goodchild NT, Constable WC.
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