From the Journals

Microneedling improved acne scars in small study of patients with darker skin


 

FROM THE JOURNAL OF COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY

Microneedling treatment produced statistically significant improvements in pigmentation-associated acne scars in a study of patients with dark skin, and did not contribute to more pigmentation, the study authors reported.

Most patients were pleased with the results. “Microneedling is an effective and safe treatment for acne scars associated with pigmentation in dark-skinned patients, without adding any risk of causing worsening of pigmentation,” the study’s lead author, Firas Al Qarqaz, MD said in an interview.

The study was published online in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

Dr. Al Qarqaz, of the department of dermatology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan, pointed out that patients with darker skin and acne scars pose a unique challenge because some current treatments “can improve the scars but carry a risk of worsening the pigmentation and making skin/scars darker, which can be as troublesome to patients as their original scars.” Indeed, a review of microneedling as a treatment for dermatologic conditions in patients with darker skin noted that conventional resurfacing procedures can be limited in this patient population, because of concerns of adverse effects, including dyspigmentation (J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016 Feb;74[2]:348-55).

The situation is especially complex because “the current assessment methods for evaluating acne scars are not addressing clearly the important aspect of pigmentation that is associated with such scars, especially in darker skin, which can make objective assessment for improvement lacking,” Dr. Al Qarqaz noted.

He and a coauthor conducted the new study to determine whether microneedling can safely and effectively improve both acne scars and related hyperpigmentation in patients with darker skin. The study of 39 patients with postacne scarring comprised 31 women and 8 men aged 18-43 years (mean age, 27); their skin colors ranged from Fitzpatrick skin types type III to V. Most (27) were type IV.

The patients were treated with an electronic microneedling device and were evaluated at 2 weeks, and at least 4 weeks after their initial assessment (range, 4-14 weeks) for the final evaluation. The researchers found statistically significant improvement in two measures: The Postacne Hyperpigmentation Index improved from a mean score of 13 at baseline to a mean of 10 post procedure (P = .0035), and the Goodman-Baron acne scarring scale improved from a mean of 18 at baseline to a mean of 12 post procedure (P = .008).

Pages

Recommended Reading

Women with acne more likely to have hyperkeratinization, study finds
MDedge Dermatology
Mobile Medical Apps for Patient Education: A Graded Review of Available Dermatology Apps
MDedge Dermatology
VIDEO: What to monitor during isotretinoin treatment
MDedge Dermatology
Late-breaking research presented at AAD on Saturday February 17
MDedge Dermatology
Acne is linked to higher chances of major depression
MDedge Dermatology
Debunking Acne Myths: Does Wearing Makeup Cause Acne?
MDedge Dermatology
Evaluating Dermatology Apps for Patient Education
MDedge Dermatology
VIDEO: Cannabinoids in dermatology
MDedge Dermatology
Review finds some evidence of efficacy for nonpharmacological acne therapies
MDedge Dermatology
Cost, coverage concerns cited as barriers to acne medication adherence
MDedge Dermatology