Abstract
The clinical effect of 20% azelaic acid ointment on hyperpigmented disorders such as chloasma, ephelides and reticulate acropigmentation of Kitamura was investigated. Azelaic acid ointment was applied to the patients twice a day, and the clinical effect was evaluated using a color-difference detector. A clinical benefit was observed in 14 out of 20 patients. On the other hand, skin irritation was observed in 2 out of 20 patients. This study shows that azelaic acid ointment can be useful for patients with hyperpigmented disorders.
