Tranexamic Acid for the Treatment of Hyperpigmentation and Telangiectatic Disorders Other Than Melasma: An Update

Tianyu Chen,1 Jing Xue,2 Qian Wang2 1School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China; 2The Institute of Dermatology and Venereology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jing Xue; Qian Wang, The Institute of Dermatology and Venereology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, Western 2nd Section, 1st Ring Road, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610072, People’s Republic of China, Email xuejings@sina.com; wqian1111@126.comAbstract: Tranexamic acid (TXA), a synthetic lysine analog, is a commonly used antifibrinolytic and procoagulant agent. Based on its good hemostatic efficacy, it is mainly used clinically for bleeding in trauma, various types of surgical and dental procedures and prevention of bleeding in patients with hemophilia. In recent years, studies have shown that TXA has the effects of anti-melanogenesis, anti-inflammation, anti-angiogenesis and promotes the recovery of the skin barrier, so it has been tried to be used as a treatment for hyperpigmentation and telangiectatic diseases. Oral, topical, intradermal injections and microneedling are all commonly used modes of administration. TXA for melasma is the most studied and has achieved indications in some countries, whereas it is still an off-label drug for many other dyschromia. We review the clinical use of TXA in hyperpigmentation and telangiectatic disorders other than melasma, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, Riehl’s melanosis, rosacea, and post-acne erythema, to provide more evidence for the use of TXA in these disorders, and to provide safer and more cost-effective alternatives for the treatment of these diseases.Keywords: tranexamic acid, hyperpigmentation, erythema, telangiectatic disorder