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Trichloroacetic acid application effective as atrophic acne scar treatment

The chemical reconstruction of skin scars therapy using a high concentration of trichloroacetic acid was an effective treatment for patients with atrophic acne scars, according to published study results.

Researchers in India studied 53 patients with facial atrophic acne scars treated with 70% of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) focal application every 2 weeks by chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) therapy. Also included were three patients being treated with isotretinoin 20 mg daily for at least 6 months. Three parameters were used to evaluate results at 3 months follow-up: physician assessment, patient assessment and patient satisfaction levels.

Thirty-five patients (66%) had greater than 50% clinical improvement, according to physician and patient assessments. Thirty patients reported being satisfied and 13 patients reported being very satisfied with the treatment, whereas 10 patients expressed dissatisfaction because of treatment response not being up to expectation or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation development, according to the researchers.

Better improvement outcomes were associated with boxcar scars compared with rolling and ice pick scars. Treatment outcomes and adverse effects were not significantly influenced by age, sex, duration of scars or type of skin, according to the researchers.

Because the CROSS therapy method is still in early stages, the researchers noted there are currently no available standardized guidelines for its use. The researchers concluded dermatologists should highlight the potential of the inexpensive, effective treatment, so it is optimally used. – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.