Combination therapy with salicylic acid chemical peels, glycyrrhizin compound, and vitamin C for Riehl's melanosis.

BACKGROUND: Riehl's melanosis is a chronic, refractory disorder, which can adversely affect patient's quality of life. Intense pulse light, neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser, hydroquinone, tranexamic acid have been reported to treat this disease, but there have been few reports on the effectiveness of other treatments.

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of triple combination therapy with salicylic acid chemical peels, oral glycyrrhizin compound, and vitamin C for Riehl's melanosis.

PATIENTS/METHODS: Three patients diagnosed with Riehl's melanosis were enrolled. All patients were treated with glycyrrhizin compound (150 mg/d), vitamin C (100 mg/d), and salicylic acid 30% peels once every 2 weeks. Clinical photographs and VISIA were used to assess the efficacy.

RESULTS: All patients received obvious improvement and reported no obvious side effects.

CONCLUSION: Triple combination therapy with salicylic acid peels, oral glycyrrhizin compound, and vitamin C is a safe and effective modality for Riehl's melanosis.