One of the newer players in the ever-growing field of melasma treatments, oral tranexamic acid is one to consider if you aren’t succeeding with traditional treatments. Treatment requires medical supervision, so see your doctor if you’d like to look into it.
What is tranexamic acid and what is it used for?
Tranexamic acid is a medication that was originally used for heavy bleeding, but has recently been discovered to be helpful in treating melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. It’s most commonly used in its oral form, and is usually reserved for cases of severe melasma where topical treatment hasn’t worked. It can be very effective when combined with strict sun protection. It should only be used for limited time periods, under medical supervision. Some patients aren’t suitable for oral tranexamic acid, so a medical assessment prior to commencing treatment is essential.
I have melasma. Should I be taking tranexamic acid?
Not necessarily. Many cases of melasma can be effectively treated with strict sun protection and a variety of creams. If these are not helpful, tranexamic acid may be considered, but always under close medical supervision and for a limited time.
What about tranexamic acid in a cream form or an injection?
Topical and injected forms of tranexamic acid have been researched, but there isn’t good evidence to support the use of these forms at present.
