Lactic Acid as a New Therapeutic Peeling Agent in the Treatment of Lifa Disease (Frictional Dermal Melanosis)

BACKGROUND: Lifa disease (frictional dermal melanosis) is a common dermatological problem. Full strength lactic acid has been proved to be effective and safe peeling agent in the treatment of melasma. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and the safety of lactic acid chemical peeling in the treatment of lifa disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This open label therapeutic trial was conducted in Department of Dermatology in Najaf and Baghdad Teaching Hospitals, from March 2007-October 2008. Full strength lactic acid (92%, pH 3.5) was used as a peeling agent. The treatment sessions were done every 2 weeks until the desired response was achieved (but not more than 6 sessions). The response to therapy was evaluated by objective and subjective methods. All patients were followed monthly for 3 months after the last treatment session. RESULTS: 52 patients with typical clinical features of lifa disease were included. All patients were slim with prominent bones and low body mass index, and gave history of using the lifa (washing agent) during bathing. The number of sessions ranged from 2-6 sessions. The pigmentation was improved in all patients as revealed by objective and subjective methods, and this response was statistically highly significant. No significant side effects were recorded in all treated patients. The improvement has been sustained without any obvious relapse throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Lactic acid peel is a new, non-costly mode of therapy in treating dermal melanosis in patients with lifa disease.