Comparing the Efficacy of Intralesional Saline Versus 35% Trichloroacetic Acid Peel in the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scar: Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scar

Kainat Usman; Muhammad Khurram Shahzad; Tahir Hassan; Muhammad Irfan Jamil; Muhammad Nadeem

doi:10.54393/pjhs.v6i4.2849

Authors

Kainat Usman Department of Dermatology, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Khurram Shahzad Department of Dermatology, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Tahir Hassan Department of Dermatology, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Irfan Jamil Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Nadeem Department of Dermatology, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/pjhs.v6i4.2849

Keywords:

Atrophic Acne, Chemical Peel, Normal Saline, Trichloroacetic Acid

Abstract

Atrophic acne scars are a common sequela of acne vulgaris impact patients’ quality of life. Despite the availability of several treatment modalities, there is a need for simpler and cost-effective approaches. Objective: To compare the efficacy of intradermal normal saline versus trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in treating atrophic acne scars. A randomized controlled trial conducted at the Dermatology Department, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, from 1^stApril 2023 to 31^st October 2023. Methods: 126 patients were enrolled. Scar grading was based on Goodman and Baron's Qualitative Scar Classification. The Patients Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was used by dermatologists. Efficacy was defined as ≥50% improvement in the POSAS. Results: Among 126 participants, the NS group showed significantly greater improvement in PSAS and OSAS scores post-treatment. While total POSAS score reduction was higher in the NS group, the difference was not significant. A ≥50% POSAS improvement was more frequent in the NS group (88.9%) than in the TCA group (73.0%; p = 0.023).Conclusion: This study found that intradermal normal saline is more effective and satisfactory than trichloroacetic acid for treating atrophic acne scars, with greater improvements in scar severity and patient satisfaction.

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