Tazarotene versus tazarotene plus hydroquinone in the treatment of photodamaged facial skin: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized study.

Author(s): Lowe N, Horwitz S, Tanghetti E, Draelos Z, Menter A

Affiliation(s): UCLA School of Medicine, Santa Monica, CA, USA. cranleyuk@aol.com

Publication date & source: 2006-09, J Cosmet Laser Ther., 8(3):121-7.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of tazarotene plus hydroquinone versus tazarotene alone in the treatment of facial photodamage. METHODS: Patients with facial mottled hyperpigmentation of at least moderate severity and an overall integrated assessment of photodamage score of at least moderate applied tazarotene 0.1% cream each evening and either hydroquinone 4% cream or placebo cream each morning for up to 24 weeks. RESULTS: Among 131 patients enrolled, 114/124 (92%) with exit data completed. Both regimens were highly effective in reducing photodamage, with tazarotene plus hydroquinone showing superiority over tazarotene alone for some efficacy measures. The incidence of >or=1-grade improvement from baseline (on a scale of none, minimal, mild, moderate, or severe) was significantly greater with tazarotene plus hydroquinone than with tazarotene alone for lentigines (weeks 12-24, p<or=0.01) and mottled hyperpigmentation (week 16, p<or=0.05). The incidence of >or=50% global improvement was also significantly superior with the combination regimen as early as week 8 (p<or=0.01). Both regimens were associated with good tolerability and high patient satisfaction (no significant between-group differences). CONCLUSIONS: The adjunctive use of hydroquinone can enhance the efficacy of tazarotene in reducing dyspigmentation associated with photodamage.