GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS — A topical solution containing 2% mequinol and 0.01% tretinoin can noticeably improve facial melasma in men, based on results from a small study presented at the Caribbean Dermatology Symposium.
Male melasma is undertreated, in part because many men are ashamed to seek help given the condition's association with women and pregnancy, said Dr. Jon Keeling, a dermatology resident at Wellington Regional Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Fla.
“There are no previous reports of using mequinol in the treatment of melasma in women or men,” he said. Dr. Keeling presented the data on behalf of Dr. Marta I. Rendon, who conducted the study at her private dermatology practice in Boca Raton, Fla.
Five healthy men aged 30–45 years with at least a 1-year history of melasma were instructed to apply a 2% mequinol/0.01% tretinoin solution nightly for 12 weeks along with a 6% zinc oxide sunscreen with SPF 30 each day. All of the patients had failed at least one previous treatment for melasma.
After 12 weeks, four of the five patients' faces were cleared, based on physician assessment, patient self-assessment, and evaluations of standardized photos taken at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after baseline.
The fifth patient had partial clearance after 12 weeks, Dr. Keeling said.
All patients showed some improvement after 4 weeks and the maximum improvement after 12 weeks of treatment. Their skin remained clear 16 weeks after the start of the study.
Overall, the medication was well tolerated; one patient reported mild stinging when he applied the solution.
“It is important to note the psychosocial impact of melasma for men,” said Dr. Keeling, adding that the number of men seeking treatment for skin pigment problems is rapidly growing.