Fusidic acid cream comparatively minimizes signs of inflammation and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation after ablative fractional CO2 laser resurfacing in Chinese patients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Inflammation and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are two adverse side effects of ablative fractional CO2 laser (ablative Fr CO2 ) treatment for both rejuvenation and acne scars.

AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of fusidic acid cream versus erythromycin ointment as postoperative therapy in patients who underwent ablative Fr CO2 treatment for atrophic acne scars.

METHODS

Sixty Chinese patients who fulfilled the study criteria were recruited and randomly assigned to an experimental group treated with fusidic acid cream or a control group treated with erythromycin ointment. Postoperative treatment lasted for 7 days in each group. Each patient had two follow-up visits at 8 and 12 weeks. In total, three patients dropped out of the study, one in the experimental group at week 8 and two in the control group at weeks 8 and 12. Baseline and postoperative inflammation and PIH were assessed by facial examination, photographs, and questionnaires. Besides, PIH was evaluated by the Hyperpigmentation Activity and Severity Index (HASI) and a five-point grading system.

RESULTS

Moderate-to-severe PIH was observed in both groups. However, the mean HASI score and severity of PIH in the experimental group were lower than those of the control group at weeks 8 and 12 (P < 0.05). In the control group, one patient developed postoperative abscesses and one had papules, whereas no inflammation was observed in the experimental group participants.

CONCLUSION

Fusidic acid cream shows promise as a common treatment after ablative Fr CO2 therapy to reduce postoperative inflammation and PIH.