the use of pyruvic acid in the treatment of acne vulgaris, melasma &

Background: pyruvic acid (CH 3 -CO-COOH), an α keto-acid has been recently formulated in a hydroethanolic vehicle at concentration of 40-70% for use as a superficial –medium peeling agent for the treatment of several dermatological diseases.Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of pyruvic acid as a chemical peel in the treatment of papulopustular acne, melasma and common warts.Methods: this study was conducted on 60 patients . Thirty patients affected by papulopustular acne, and 15 patients with melasma were treated with 40 -50% pyruvic acid every 2 weeks for a total of 1-3 months. Full clinical examination was done for all patients. The severity of acne was assessed by the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS), and of melasma by the Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI) before and after each session. The other 15 patients with common warts treated with pyruvic acid (70%) as a chemical paint twice daily for 2-3 weeks.Results: a highly significant decrease in the GAGS and MASI scores for patients with acne and melasma respectively was reported after treatment (p<0.001). Patients with epidermal type melasma demonstrated a better response to treatment than those with mixed and dermal type melasma (p<0.05). Complete clearing in all warts was achieved in 12 patients. Three patients showed improvement, but did not complete the study . No side effects were observed during or after treatment.Conclusion: peeling with pyruvic acid can be considered an effective, safe and well tolerated procedure in the treatment of patients affected by papulopustular acne, melasma and warts.