Efficacy and Safety of Topical Metformin vs Kligman Formula in the Treatment of Melasma: A Split-Face Study
Abstract
Background: Melasma is an acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by symmetrical hyperpigmented macules and patches on sun-exposed areas, primarily the face. Kligman's formula, or "triple combination cream," is widely used but has potential side effects. Metformin, an oral anti-diabetic agent, possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, suggesting its possible role in melasma treatment. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of topical Metformin with Kligman’s formula in melasma treatment through a split-face design study.
Methods: This non-randomized, double-blind, split-face, comparative study included 57 patients with melasma over 12 weeks. Participants applied Kligman's formula to the right side of the face and topical metformin on the left side of the face at bedtime. Efficacy was assessed using melanin index measurements, physician global assessment, and patient satisfaction rates. Safety was evaluated by monitoring erythema, burning, and itching on both sides of the face.
Results: Of the 57 participants, 49 (86%) were female, and 8 (14%) were male. At baseline, the mean Hemi-MASI scores were 7.60 ± 3.44 (right) and 7.72 ± 3.45 (left). At month 3, scores significantly decreased to 3.30 ± 2.30 (right) and 3.81 ± 2.38 (left) (P<.001). The percentage reduction was significant on both sides, with 60.53 ± 15.65% (right) and 53.33 ± 14.88% (left).
Conclusions: While Kligman’s formula…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 57 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Metformin as an adjuvant in breast cancer treatment
- Metformin Lysosomal Targeting: A Novel Aspect to Be Investigated for Metformin Repurposing in Neurodegenerative Diseases?
- Aberrant HSF1 signaling activation underlies metformin amelioration of myocardial infarction in mice
- Metformin induces ZFP36 by mTORC1 inhibition in cervical cancer-derived cell lines
- Protein Interaction Network for Identifying Vascular Response of Metformin (Oral Antidiabetic)
- Preventing Long COVID With Metformin
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.