A COMPARATIVE STUDY FOR THE EFFICACY BETWEEN COMBINATION OF INTENSE PULSED LIGHT THERAPY AND 5% NIACINAMIDE CREAM WITH 5% NIACINAMIDE ALONE FOR THE TREATMENT OF AXILLARY HYPERPIGMENTATION

Abstract

Axillary hyperpigmentation (AH) is a common dermatological concern, particularly among individuals with darker skin types, and can negatively affect aesthetic appearance and quality of life. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of combination therapy using intense pulsed light (IPL) with 5% niacinamide cream versus 5% niacinamide monotherapy in the treatment of AH. A prospective, randomized, split-site study was conducted in 22 participants with bilateral AH. One axilla received IPL at weeks 0, 4, and 8 with daily niacinamide, while the other received niacinamide alone for 12 weeks. Outcomes were assessed using melanin index, clinical photography, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and patient satisfaction. The combination therapy showed significantly greater melanin reduction compared to monotherapy (p < 0.05). Higher improvement and satisfaction scores were also observed in the combination group. Both treatments were well tolerated with minimal adverse effects. Combination therapy with IPL and 5% niacinamide is more effective than niacinamide alone for treating axillary hyperpigmentation.