Efficacy of topical combination of benzoyl peroxide 5% and clindamycin 1% for the treatment of progressive macular hypomelanosis: a randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled trial

An Bras Dermatol. 2011 Jan-Feb;86(1):50-4. doi: 10.1590/s0365-05962011000100006.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Background: Progressive macular hypomelanosis is a dermatosis without definite etiology. There is no consensus or first-line therapy in the treatment of progressive macular hypomelanosis, and the treatment options used are very little effective.

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the topical combination of benzoyl peroxide 5% and clindamycin 1% associated with sun exposure for the treatment of progressive macular hypomelanosis.

Materials and methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which patients were divided into two groups. Group A used the topical combination of benzoyl peroxide 5% and clindamycin 1% and Group B used gel cream as a placebo. Patients were advised to expose themselves to the sun on a daily basis and were systematically evaluated and photographed. The collected data were entered and analyzed using Epi Info. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Out of the 23 patients included in the study, 13 were in group A and 10 in group B. Eleven patients (85%) in group A had significant clinical improvement and only two patients (20%) in group B showed an equivalent clinical improvement (p = 0.003). Side effects were more frequent in group A (p = 0.003).

Conclusion: The topical combination of benzoyl peroxide 5% and clindamycin 1% is effective in the treatment of progressive macular hypomelanosis.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Benzoyl Peroxide / therapeutic use*
  • Clindamycin / therapeutic use*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypopigmentation / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Placebos / therapeutic use
  • Sex Factors
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Placebos
  • Clindamycin
  • Benzoyl Peroxide