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

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.