Comparison of therapeutic effect of 30% TCA with cryotherapy in the treatment of lentigo simplex

Abstract

There are different treatment processes for treating lentigo lesions, among which retinoic acid cream, TCA, or lactic acid peels and laser can be mentioned. Cryotherapy surgery is also one of the chosen methods that use liquid nitrogen, liquid carbon dioxide, or nitrous oxide. This study aimed to compare therapeutic effect of 30% TCA with cryotherapy in the treatment of lentigo simplex. Materials and Methods: In this non-randomized, single-blind clinical trial study, 20 patients with lentigo simplex in both hands were examined according to the study criteria, so that each patient received cryotherapy in the left hand and TCA 30 in the right hand. % was done (40 hands were examined in two groups). Both treatments were repeated every two weeks for 2 months. The lesions were photographed at the beginning of the study and after 1 month from the last treatment period (3 months after the start). Also, the patients were examined in terms of possible side effects of both methods, including erythema, itching, burning, blisters, pain, dyspigmentation, atrophy and scarring, hyperpigmentation, and depigmentation. Results: At the time of final follow-up, the frequency of acceptable recovery cases was significantly higher in TCA treatment by 30% compared to cryotherapy (60% vs. 30%). Also, the intensity of pain in TCA treatment was 30% significantly less than in cryotherapy treatment in all follow-ups. Meanwhile, the satisfaction score of patients with the TCA 30% treatment was significantly higher than cryotherapy and most patients (60%) preferred TCA 30% treatment. Regarding treatment side effects, things like erythema, itching, and edema were 30% more in TCA treatment compared to other side effects including burning, blistering, pain, and hypopigmentation in cryotherapy treatment.