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Melasma Be GONE Tranexamic Acid
Melasma Be GONE!
I experienced Melasma just after I turned 40. At first it was only noticeable on my cheeks, then over the next two years it spread onto my upper lip and further down my cheeks. Now I appreciate that this is only superficial and I did not suffer any internal ill effects, however it did affect my self-esteem to an extent. In a nutshell, it gave me the [RS bleep]! I know it shouldn’t have but that’s another blog for another day!
What caused it? I am adopted, so I am uncertain whether this is inclined to be genetic. I am Asian and have never spent much time in the sun. I have always applied a zinc based sunscreen daily. I was carrying a mirena at the time which I had removed shortly after experiencing the Melasma symptoms, however the symptoms continued beyond its removal. I eat mostly organic foods (with the exception of chocolate and the odd takeaway) and I exercise daily. In short, the pathogenesis of Melasma is still very much up in the air. Sorry to sound technical but they still don’t know what the go is with Melasma! I tried all types of creams, some over the counter, John Plunketts, some prescribed by my local General Practitioner (GP) and others prescribed by my Dermatologist containing hydroquinone and glycolic acid, specifically designed to target Melasma symptoms. Unfortunately, I had no success with alleviating any of my symptoms. I even tried natural remedies, like turmeric, lemon juice etc, to no avail. I tried microdermabrasion, multiple times and Q-Switched laser. Still, no reprieve from the brown muck on my face, not to mention the cost of all of this!
THEN recently, while waiting for some ‘conventional’ takeaway…… I stumbled across a journal article recently published; a large study conducted in Singapore on 561 Asian patients. The study administered Tranexamic acid orally to patients experiencing symptoms of Melasma. The results were in my opinion, outstanding! 89.7% of patients reported significant improvements within 4 months. Please note that I am no Doctor, nor am I suggesting that this will cure Melasma OR be beneficial to people who are experiencing symptoms of Melasma. However, I really wanted to share my positive experience.
Within 48 hours I had visited my GP and had the same dosage, 250mg taken orally twice daily, prescribed by my local GP. I tend to be super cynical and demand ‘empirical’ evidence at the best of times BUT I noticed a noticeable difference after only two weeks. Yeap, two weeks! It has now been six weeks and my Melasma is barely visible. People have openly made comments that they cannot notice the dark marks on my face anymore. I did not experience any side effects at all and at this stage I intend on continuing with the medication for a total duration of four months (in line with the study). The prescription is inexpensive, around $30 AUD for 100 500 mg tablets and available at most pharmacies. Personally, for me, this was a breakthrough! I no longer have to wear concealer and heavy foundation, some days I just wear my sunscreen and powder. I will be interested to see if the Melasma returns once I cease taking the medication. Stay tuned for a later post.
If you are considering trialling the medication please read the study by Lee, Thng, & Goh (2018) and take note of the caution relating to possible thromboembolism. I had a screening prior to taking the medication.
Would love to hear if anyone else has trialled the medication with or without success. Good luck everyone, I sincerely hope this post provides some relief.
I experienced Melasma just after I turned 40. At first it was only noticeable on my cheeks, then over the next two years it spread onto my upper lip and further down my cheeks. Now I appreciate that this is only superficial and I did not suffer any internal ill effects, however it did affect my self-esteem to an extent. In a nutshell, it gave me the [RS bleep]! I know it shouldn’t have but that’s another blog for another day!
What caused it? I am adopted, so I am uncertain whether this is inclined to be genetic. I am Asian and have never spent much time in the sun. I have always applied a zinc based sunscreen daily. I was carrying a mirena at the time which I had removed shortly after experiencing the Melasma symptoms, however the symptoms continued beyond its removal. I eat mostly organic foods (with the exception of chocolate and the odd takeaway) and I exercise daily. In short, the pathogenesis of Melasma is still very much up in the air. Sorry to sound technical but they still don’t know what the go is with Melasma! I tried all types of creams, some over the counter, John Plunketts, some prescribed by my local General Practitioner (GP) and others prescribed by my Dermatologist containing hydroquinone and glycolic acid, specifically designed to target Melasma symptoms. Unfortunately, I had no success with alleviating any of my symptoms. I even tried natural remedies, like turmeric, lemon juice etc, to no avail. I tried microdermabrasion, multiple times and Q-Switched laser. Still, no reprieve from the brown muck on my face, not to mention the cost of all of this!
THEN recently, while waiting for some ‘conventional’ takeaway…… I stumbled across a journal article recently published; a large study conducted in Singapore on 561 Asian patients. The study administered Tranexamic acid orally to patients experiencing symptoms of Melasma. The results were in my opinion, outstanding! 89.7% of patients reported significant improvements within 4 months. Please note that I am no Doctor, nor am I suggesting that this will cure Melasma OR be beneficial to people who are experiencing symptoms of Melasma. However, I really wanted to share my positive experience.
Within 48 hours I had visited my GP and had the same dosage, 250mg taken orally twice daily, prescribed by my local GP. I tend to be super cynical and demand ‘empirical’ evidence at the best of times BUT I noticed a noticeable difference after only two weeks. Yeap, two weeks! It has now been six weeks and my Melasma is barely visible. People have openly made comments that they cannot notice the dark marks on my face anymore. I did not experience any side effects at all and at this stage I intend on continuing with the medication for a total duration of four months (in line with the study). The prescription is inexpensive, around $30 AUD for 100 500 mg tablets and available at most pharmacies. Personally, for me, this was a breakthrough! I no longer have to wear concealer and heavy foundation, some days I just wear my sunscreen and powder. I will be interested to see if the Melasma returns once I cease taking the medication. Stay tuned for a later post.
If you are considering trialling the medication please read the study by Lee, Thng, & Goh (2018) and take note of the caution relating to possible thromboembolism. I had a screening prior to taking the medication.
Would love to hear if anyone else has trialled the medication with or without success. Good luck everyone, I sincerely hope this post provides some relief.