Histometric and histochemical analysis of the effect of trichloroacetic acid concentration in the chemical reconstruction of skin scars method.
BACKGROUND
Atrophic scars can be induced by various causes, including severely inflamed acne, chicken pox, and trauma. Many treatment modalities are used for reconstructing and improving the appearance of scars with various treatment results.


OBJECTIVE
A recent report shows the clinical efficacy of the chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) method, which consists of the focal application of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in a higher concentration. Histometric analysis of the CROSS method, however, has not yet been established.


METHODS
In this study, five hairless mice were used to evaluate the effect of the CROSS method and to analyze the difference between the CROSS method and simple TCA application.


RESULTS
Similar histologic changes were observed in the two methods, including epidermal and dermal rejuvenation with new collagen deposition. These changes, however, were more prominent in the CROSS method-treated areas, particularly when 100% TCA was used.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that treatment of atrophic scars using the CROSS method is more effective than simple application of TCA in activating fibroblasts in the dermis and increasing the amount of collagen.
Cho
Sung Bin
SB
Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
Park
Chang Ook
CO
Chung
Woo Gil
WG
Lee
Kwang Hoon
KH
Lee
Jung Bock
JB
Chung
Kee Yang
KY
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D002424:Caustics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D051379:Mice; D008812:Mice, Hairless; D012060:Rejuvenation / Q000502:physiology*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D002424:Caustics; D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid; D003094:Collagen