Efficacy and Side Effects of Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) Versus Cryotherapy in the Treatment of Solar Lentigo

Introduction: Solar lentigo is local and benign proliferation of melanocytes which is common in old individuals and creates a major concern considering beauty. Despite several and somehow expensive treatments such as laser and cryotherapy, chemical peeling with Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) has recently attracted attentions considering its low cost and availability. The present study was designed to compare the efficacy and side effects of Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) 35% and cryotherapy in the treatment of solar lentigo.Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 35 individuals with solar lentigo on their hands. First, images were taken from both hands. Then, one side was treated with cryotherapy and the other side was treated with TCA 35%, randomly. This treatment was repeated after one month. The imaging was repeated at the end of the second month and both sides were compared with previous images regarding the degree of the improvement (lightening) of the lesions and the resultant side effects. Descriptive statistical methods and 2-chi square relation were used for analyzing data with SPSS 16.Results: The results demonstrated that cryotherapy resulted in more than 50% recovery (lightening >50%) in 60% of the cases which was statistically significant (P<0.05). In contrast, TCA 35% yielded more than 50% recovery in 46% of the cases which was significant, too. Comparing these modes of treatments regarding 50% recovery showed no statistically significant difference (P=0.219). Side effects were seen in 40% and 13.3% of the individuals who used cryotherapy and TCA 35%, respectively, which was statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusions: According to the findings of the research, TCA 35%, compared to cryotherapy, has similar efficiency but fewer side effects in the treatment of solar lentigo.