Can tranexamic acid be used for melasma?

Background: Melasma is a common acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation that commonly affects those with skin of color. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a novel treatment for melasma that has a multimodal mechanism of action.

Can tranexamic acid make melasma worse?

One clinical study found 0.4% (2 patients) of the studied melasma patients whose hyperpigmentation worsened while taking oral tranexamic acid.

Can tranexamic acid make hyperpigmentation worse?

“Tranexamic acid for the skin can act as a brightening agent to reduce dark spots and improve hyperpigmentation,” says Anna Guanche, MD, a board certified dermatologist and founder of the Bella Skin Institute. “This is because tranexamic acid interferes with melanin production.”

What is the contraindication of tranexamic acid?

Ethinyl Estradiol: (Contraindicated) Tranexamic acid is contraindicated in women who are using combination hormonal contraception containing an estrogen and a progestin. Use with other estrogens is also not recommended.

Will melasma come back after tranexamic acid?

After an average of 7 months post-oral tranexamic acid treatment, 137 patients (27.2 percent) saw melasma recurrence. An additional 7.1 percent experienced transient side effects, including abdominal bloating and headaches, investigators said.

How long can you take tranexamic acid for melasma?

How long should you take oral tranexamic acid for melasma to see gains? Oral tranexamic acid treatment benefits maximize after taking it for eight to twelve weeks. During this time, it limits a cellular process involved in producing melanin, the pigment that makes your skin dark and causes freckles.

What percentage of tranexamic acid is effective for melasma?

Colferai et al1 conducted a placebo-controlled trial and found that oral TA was associated with 50-percent improvement at 12 weeks compared to 5.9 percent in the placebo group.

How long does it take for tranexamic acid to fade hyperpigmentation?

“It may take up to eight to 12 weeks to see improvement,” Dr. Chang adds.

When should you not use tranexamic acid?

You should not use this medication if you are also using combination hormonal contraception because it may increase your chance of having a blood clot, heart attack, or stroke. Your risk is even higher if you are overweight, if you smoke cigarettes, or if you are over 35 years of age.

Does tranexamic acid cause blood clots?

Cautions with other medicines

Tranexamic acid can be taken with most other medicines. However, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking the combined pill. There could be a very small increased risk of getting a blood clot if you take tranexamic acid as well.

What is the fastest way to cure melasma?

Doctors often use hydroquinone as the first line of treatment for melasma. Hydroquinone is available as a lotion, cream, or gel. It works by lightening the color of the skin patches. A person can apply the hydroquinone product directly to the patches of skin that are discolored or uneven.

Which is better alpha arbutin or tranexamic acid?

alpha arbutin are an ideal blend for treating melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and overall skin brightening. Tranexamic acid is more of a skin brightener than an exfoliating acid, operating as a tyrosinase inhibitor and plasmin inhibitor.

How long does it take for tranexamic acid to work for hyperpigmentation?

How common are blood clots with tranexamic acid?

In a case-control study using data from the British General Practice Research Database, women taking tranexamic acid had a 3-fold higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. There was a wide 95% confidence interval, ranging from 0.7 to 15.8; thus, a major increase in the risk of thrombosis cannot be ruled out.

What cancels out melasma?

How To Cover Melasma – YouTube

How can I permanently remove melasma?

What can I layer with tranexamic acid?

Mark says tranexamic acid works very well with usual super-actives such as vitamin C, niacinamide and even exfoliating acids, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid.

Does tranexamic acid increase clot risk?

Various drug regulatory agencies have received reports of thrombotic events attributed to tranexamic acid. In a case-control study using data from the British General Practice Research Database, women taking tranexamic acid had a 3-fold higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.

Can tranexamic acid be harmful?

Adverse effects include seizures, headaches, backache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, anaphylaxis, impaired color vision, and other visual disturbances.

What is the fastest way to remove melasma?

What should you not do with melasma?

Do this by avoiding the sun, tanning beds, LED screens, irritating soaps and birth control that includes hormones. If you are exposed to the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen with iron oxides and a SPF of 30-50 applied every two hours, as well as a wide-brimmed hat. These steps may prevent your melasma from getting worse.

What is the fastest way to cure melasma on face?

What is best medicine for melasma?

Triple combination cream (hydroquinone, tretinoin, and corticosteroid) remains the most effective treatment for melasma, as well as hydroquinone alone. Chemical peels and laser- and light-based devices have mixed results. Oral tranexamic acid is a promising new treatment for moderate and severe recurrent melasma.

What can you not mix with tranexamic acid serum?

Since acids can generally be drying, be sure to ease into introducing tranexamic acid into your routine, and be wary of mixing it with other intense actives like glycolic or retinol.

What are the long term side effects of tranexamic acid?

Oral tranexamic acid may cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach issues. In rare cases, it can lead to anaphylaxis or vision problems.

The more common side effects of tranexamic acid include:

  • nausea.
  • diarrhea.
  • stomach pain or discomfort.
  • vomiting.
  • chills.
  • fever.
  • severe headache (throbbing)
  • back or joint pain.