Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Dermatology and Venerology

Background:Acne is a commonly encountered disorder in the dermatological practice.Post-acne hyperpigmentation is a common undesirablesequalae of acne vulgaris that occurs at a young age and causes distress for many patients. Various treatment modalities have been tried for the post-acne hyperpigmentation including low power fractional CO2 laser and intradermal injections of tranexamic acid (TXA). Objective: This study aimed at investigating and comparing the efficacy of both low-power low-density fractional CO2 laser and intradermal injection of TXA on post- acne hyperpigmentation. Patients and methods:A total of twenty-five patients with bilateral, symmetrical post-acne hyperpigmentation on both cheeks were enrolled in this randomized comparative split face study.One side of the face was randomly assigned to low power fractional CO2 laser every four weeks for three months.The other side of the face was assigned to TXA intradermal microinjection every two weeks for three months. Efficacy was evaluated using digital photography, dermoscopy, the post acne hyperpigmentation index (PAHPI), melanin index (MI) and erythema index (EI) at baseline and two weeks after the last session. Patient satisfaction score was also assessed.Results: Both fractional CO2 laser and intradermal injection of TXA treatment sides showed significant reduction in the PAHPI and MI (p<0.001).Significant reduction in the total dermoscopic score was also noted on the side receiving fractional CO2 laser and the other side receiving intradermal injection of TXA(p<0.001). However, the EI showed non-significant difference on both sides.There was a statistically significant difference with better percentage of improvement regarding the total dermoscopic score on the side receiving fractional CO2 laser than the side receiving intradermal injection of TXA (p<0.009)

Issued also as CD