#acne scars: good outcome after adapalene topical treatment.

Acne scarring is a common complaint in acne patients. They are visible sequelae of active acne and persist for lifetime. Treatments can be costy and include chemical peels and fractionated CO2 laser therapy.

This study measured the effect of topical adapalene in the treatment of acne scars:

Methods: 

• 20 subjects aged 18-50, 35,7 years old on average;
• Scars were graded moderate or severe facial atrophic acne scars and were classified as the following types: icepick, boxcar or rolling;
• The study was done over a period of 24 weeks and measurements were done:
  • at baseline
  • on day 10
  • at weeks 8, 16, 24
  • Post-treatment follow up at 36 weeks and 48-72 weeks.

Results:

• The acne scars at baseline were moderate (in 60% of cases);
• At week 24, more than half of the subjects (55%) achieved a 1 (38.9%) to 2 (16.6%) grade change of acne scars severity. 6-12 months after the treatment, the results were still maintained in 50% of subjects.
• Improved DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index)

*The study was done by Galderma, which produces adapalene under the brand name Differin.