New needle treatment may fade melasma in darker skin
NCT ID NCT06616311
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether radiofrequency microneedling can safely treat melasma in people with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick types IV-VI). Ten adults with melasma received the treatment, and doctors measured changes in severity using a standard scoring system. The goal was to see if this approach offers an effective option for managing melasma without long-term medication.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
10 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Oct 2024
- Finished
-
Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Males or females, at least 18 years of age * Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI * Clinically diagnosed melasma * No topicals (retinol, vitamin C serum, etc) for 6 weeks before Visit 1 (with exception of sunscreen) Exclusion Criteria: * is currently pregnant or planning to conceive during the study period * is using topical or oral therapy or other treatment for melasma
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Melasma are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can stem cell exosomes fade melasma patches?
- Can a simple pill make melasma creams work better?
- Can a two-acid cream fade stubborn melasma?
- Can sunscreen do more than protect? study tests if it fades dark spots
- New cream trio aims to outshine standard melasma treatment
- Can sound waves clear up skin? new trial tests ultrasound for pigment and rosacea