Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fractional carbon dioxide (FrCO2 ) laser is effective for atrophic acne scar treatment, but unavoidable downtime. Meanwhile, postoperative topical steroid decreases the downtime, yet still possibly increases other steroid side effects. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of moisturizer containing 5% panthenol, madecassoside, and copper-zinc-manganese (experimental cream) versus 0.02% Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) cream in decreasing adverse effects and downtime after FrCO2 laser, with wound healing improvement and prevention of certain steroid-related side effects like postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). METHODS We conducted a double-blinded, split face, randomized controlled trial in 20 subjects receiving FrCO2 laser on both sides of the faces and randomly treated with two posttreatment regimens on each side for 7 days. Clinical, expert panel assessment of photography, downtime, side effects, and biometric evaluation for erythema and melanin were performed on baseline, immediately after treatment, day 3, 5, 7, 14, 30 and, 60 postoperatively. RESULTS Both experimental cream (EC) and 0.02% TA cream could significantly reduce postlaser downtime including swelling, redness, crusting, and scaling in 5-7 days, with comparable efficacies in decreasing downtime and adverse reactions, as well as wound healing improvement and lower PIH without statistically significant difference between the two treatments. The incidence of PIH was 60% in the EC treated group with minimal intensity. CONCLUSION The moisturizer with anti-inflammatory ingredients could be a novel treatment modality for reduction of postablative laser downtime by using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents to avoid adverse effects and improve wound healing process with lower PIH.
