Atrophic Post Acne Scarring Clinical Trial
Official title:
Microneedling Versus Topical Tazarotene 0.1% Gel for the Treatment of Atrophic Post Acne Scarring - a Randomized Controlled Study
Post acne scarring is a common complication of acne. Cosmetic appearance of the post acne
facial scarring can be improved by various methods. Among the procedural methods
microneedling (1) is a novel and a promising option. It is a minimally invasive day care
procedure for the management of atrophic acne scars. Topical tazarotene 0.1% gel is an
effective medical method in the management of acne vulgaris and macular acne scars (2, 3).
Based on its mechanism of action and role in collagen synthesis, topical tazarotene is a
logical choice to investigate for the management of atrophic post acne scars. This is a pilot
study comparing microneedling and topical tazarotene for the treatment of atrophic post acne
scarring in regard to extent and rapidity of improvement, patient satisfaction and any
adverse events if any.
Thirty six subjects with grade 2 to grade 4 atrophic post acne scars, classified on the basis
of Goodman's Qualitative classification (4) criteria will be recruited. Goodman's qualitative
and quantitative acne scarring grading system scoring will be performed for the assessment of
severity of acne scarring at baseline. The face of each patient will be randomized for
monthly microneedling on one side and topical tazarotene 0.1 % gel once a day local
application on opposite side, using computer generated random number table. Follow ups will
be done at every month until treatment completion (3 months) and 3 months after the last
treatment session. Goodman's qualitative and quantitative acne scarring grading system
scoring will be performed at 3rd and 6th month follow up visits. An improvement by two grades
will be considered as excellent, one grade will be rated as good and no up gradation will be
labelled as poor response. Patients will be also assessed by a blinded observer for clinical
improvement and scored on a scale of 0 (no improvement) to 10 (maximum) at 3rd and 6th month
follow up visits with the help of serial photographs taken under consistent background,
position and lighting. All patients will be instructed to assess themselves using Patients'
Global Assessment Score 0 (no response) to 10 (maximum) at 3rd and 6th month follow up
visits.
The investigators hope the outcome of the present study may propose a newer medical modality
for acne scarring, i.e topical tazarotene 0.1% gel, which can be used at home, obviating the
need for physician dependant microneedling procedure.
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