Combination therapy with salicylic acid chemical peels, glycyrrhizin compound, and vitamin C for Riehl's melanosis

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020 Jun;19(6):1377-1380. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13153. Epub 2019 Sep 16.

Abstract

Background: Riehl's melanosis is a chronic, refractory disorder, which can adversely affect patient's quality of life. Intense pulse light, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser, hydroquinone, tranexamic acid have been reported to treat this disease, but there have been few reports on the effectiveness of other treatments.

Aim: To assess the efficacy and safety of triple combination therapy with salicylic acid chemical peels, oral glycyrrhizin compound, and vitamin C for Riehl's melanosis.

Patients/methods: Three patients diagnosed with Riehl's melanosis were enrolled. All patients were treated with glycyrrhizin compound (150 mg/d), vitamin C (100 mg/d), and salicylic acid 30% peels once every 2 weeks. Clinical photographs and VISIA were used to assess the efficacy.

Results: All patients received obvious improvement and reported no obvious side effects.

Conclusion: Triple combination therapy with salicylic acid peels, oral glycyrrhizin compound, and vitamin C is a safe and effective modality for Riehl's melanosis.

Keywords: Riehl's melanosis; glycyrrhizin compound; salicylic acid; treatment; vitamin C.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Ascorbic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Chemexfoliation / adverse effects
  • Chemexfoliation / methods*
  • Combined Modality Therapy / adverse effects
  • Combined Modality Therapy / methods
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / adverse effects
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / methods
  • Female
  • Glycyrrhizic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Glycyrrhizic Acid / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanosis / therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Salicylic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Salicylic Acid / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Glycyrrhizic Acid
  • Salicylic Acid
  • Ascorbic Acid