A prospective, randomized, split-face, controlled trial of salicylic acid peels in the treatment of melasma in Latin American women.

Background: Melasma, a common disorder of hyperpigmentation, is often resistant to therapy. Although salicylic acid peels have been reported to be useful for patients with recalcitrant melasma, controlled trials are lacking.

Objective: We sought to determine the efficacy of salicylic acid peels when added to hydroquinone in the treatment of melasma.