Tca Peel in the Treatment of Macular Amyloidosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Macular amyloidosis (MA) represents a common variant of primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis with a characteristic female preponderance. Hyperpigmentation associated with MA poses a significant aesthetic problem for patients and there are no effective treatment modalities proven for the same. The present study was done to know the safety and efficacy of TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peel in the treatment of MA. MATERIALS & METHODS: A total of 25 patients with clinical diagnosis of macular amyloidosis were included in the study. TCA peel was done at an interval of 6 weeks between sessions. First session was done with 10% TCA and further sessions with 20 % TCA. Clinical response to treatment after each session was graded according to quarentile grading and any adverse effects were noted. RESULTS: A total of 25 patient. were included of which 22 were females and 3 males. Clinical improvement was more than 51% in 50% of patients after 3 sessions. Mean improvement scores increased proportionately with each session. Side effects included burning sensation during the procedure, peeling for almost 2 weeks and hyperpigmentation/ hypopigmentation. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: TCA peel is an effective and also cost effective treatment for the hyperpigmentation of macular amyloidosis. Disadvantages being long peeling time and possibility of hyper and hypopigmentation.