title: Improvement of Atrophic Acne Scars in Skin of Color Using Topical Synthetic Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) Serum: A Pilot Study.
abstract: <p>BACKGROUND: Atrophic scarring in skin of color is a common, permanent, and distressing result of uncontrolled acne vulgaris. Ablative lasers and chemical peels are frequently used to improve the appearance of atrophic scars, primarily through the stimulation of collagen and elastin; however, these treatment modalities are associated with risks, such as dyspigmentation and hypertrophic scarring, especially in patients with darker skin.</p> <p>OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy of topically applied synthetic epidermal growth factor (EGF) serum in reducing the appearance of atrophic acne scars in skin of color.</p> <p>METHODS: A single-center clinical trial was performed on twelve healthy men and women (average age 32.5) with Fitzpatrick Type IV-V skin and evidence of facial grade II-IV atrophic acne scars. Subjects applied topical EGF serum to the full-face twice daily for 12 weeks. Scar improvement was investigated at each visit using an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), a Goodman grade, clinical photography, and patient self-assessment.</p> <p>RESULTS: Eleven subjects completed the trial. Compared to baseline, there was an improvement in mean IGA score from 3.36 (SEM = 0.15) to 2.18 (SEM = 0.33). Mean Goodman grade was reduced from 2.73 (SEM = 0.19) to 2.55 (SEM = 0.21). Of the eleven pairs of before and after photographs, nine were correctly chosen as the post-treatment image by a blind investigator. On self-assessment, 81% reported a "good" to "excellent" improvement in their scars compared to baseline (P = 0.004).</p> <p>CONCLUSION: Topical EGF may improve the appearance of atrophic acne scars in skin of color. Additional, larger studies should be conducted to better characterize improvement.</p> <p><em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(4):322-326.</em></p>.
authors.forename: Marie Alexia
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Stoddard
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Herrmann
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Moy
authors.forename: Ronald
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Moy
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001284:Atrophy; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005145:Face / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor