For several years, the treatment of acne vulgaris has been based on the use of oral or topical medication, isolated or in association with other medications. Such options still represent excellent therapeutic alternatives; however, there are cases in which they cannot be used either because of their side effects or the lack of response to treatment due to the growing bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Based on the observation that light has been successfully used to treat many pathologies – including acne – a number of therapeutic devices have been developed that demonstrate good results.The objective of this article is to present a review of the pathology of acne and of the photobiological principles used in its treatment, considering some of the main current phototherapeutic modalities.

Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS, PHOTOTHERAPY, LASER THERAPY

Introduction: Acne scars are common, and their treatment is challenging. Several techniques have been used to remove, reposition, and flatten acne scars to improve the appearance of the skin’s surface. More recently, fractional CO₂ laser has been used to correct such scars due its good results and shorter recovery time.
Objective: To evaluate and compare fractional CO₂ laser vs. dermabrasion-based treatment of acne scars.
Methods: Nine patients were assessed – six received fractional CO₂ laser and three were treated with dermabrasion. Subjective and objective parameters were evaluated for both treatment modalities.
Results: Both patient groups showed objective and subjective improvement.
Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that fractional CO₂ laser and dermabrasion-based treatments have similar efficacy in moderate to severe acne scars.

Keywords: CICATRIX; ACNE VULGARIS; LASER THERAPY.

Introduction: Acne is one of the most prevalent skin conditions, representing a constant challenge to dermatologists, especially in severe cases as nodulocystic acne, which can be resistant to medicament based treatment. Traditional therapy includes topical and oral drugs that are not always effective and often lead to bacterial resistance and side effects. The use of lasers in the treatment of inflammatory acne has increased lately due to the ease, clinical efficacy, and minimal side effects of this type of therapy. Objective: To evaluate the effects of fractional laser in patients with nodulocystic acne resistant to treatment with isotretinoin. Methods: Application of laser therapy sessions with Nd:YAP in 9 patients. Assessment of the degree of patient satisfaction and comparison of photographs taken before and after treatment by dermatologists not linked to the study. Results: Average reduction of 65% in inflammatory lesions, satisfaction of all patients who underwent treatment, and approval in the assessment carried out by dermatologists. Conclusions: The fractional Nd:YAP laser was proven effective in the treatment of inflammatory acne and may represent a new therapeutic option for this pathology, especially for patients who do not respond to conventional treatment.

Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS; LASERS; LASER THERAPY.

Introduction: The best option for treating distensible acne scars is cutaneous filling, however many such lesions cannot be seen properly under traditional lighting. Objective: To investigate whether an LED light spot helps in the technique of filling acne scars with hyaluronic acid. Methods: Twelve patients were treated with and without the diagonal and posterior focus of LED lighting. The patients themselves and two physicians deemed that the treatment has provided improvement. The median percentage of improvement attributed by the patients was 60% (without LED lighting) and 70% (with LED lighting). Results: The average median percentage of improvement attributed by the physicians was 55.0% / 65.0% (without LED lighting) and 70.0% / 72.5% (with LED lighting). Conclusion: The use of diagonal and posterior LED light spots enhances outcomes and patient satisfaction rates.

Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS; CICATRIX; HYALURONIC ACID.

Introduction: With several treatment options available - including laser - atrophic acne scars are nonetheless difficult to treat. The use of fractional technology results in dermal-epidermal ablation columns, interspersed with intact skin islands, allowing selective thermal damage, effective treatment and faster recovery. The objective of the present study is to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of fractional laser use in the treatment of atrophic acne scars among the Brazilian population. Methods: An open, prospective, interventional study was carried out with patients with acne scars, without restriction regarding the gender and skin phototype. Exclusion criteria were: pregnancy, breast-feeding, presence of infections or blood dyscrasias and the use of anticoagulants. The evaluation was performed by comparing texture, appearance, and relief as observed in digital photographs. Results: Of the 30 selected patients, 24 were included in the study. An improvement was noted in the parameters evaluated in the cases that underwent fractional laser (CO2, Erbium-Glass or both). Individuals who underwent multiple treatments showed better results. All those treated with 4 sessions had improvements greater than 50%. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was detected in 7 of the 24 treated patients. Conclusion: The present study showed that, when using appropriate parameters and adequate care, fractional laser-assisted resurfacing is an effective and safe method for treating atrophic acne scars in the Brazilian population.

Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS; CICATRIX; LASERS; CHEMEXFOLIATION

Introduction: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases and most often results in scars that are typically associated with aesthetic and psychological problems. To date, there is no standardized treatment for this kind of scarring. Objectives: To evaluate the improvement of distensible type acne scars on the face after treatment with the microneedling technique, followed by the topical application of a gel containing growth factors. Methods: Ten patients with acne scars who were treated from 2012 to 2014 and met the inclusion criteria were selected. All underwent 3 microneedling sessions with intervals of 1 to 2 months, with a 1-year follow up. Pre- and post- procedure photographs were carried out with a regular digital camera, and with a digital camera with a 3D system. Skin biopsies were performed prior to treatment, and 30 days after the last session. Results: Eight patients completed the study. Among these, seven showed a random reduction in the roughness of the scars in the analyzed area, seven showed a decrease in melanin with a homogenization of its distribution across the skin, and seven patients showed an increase in hemoglobin in the area being studied. The appearance of the scars varied among the eight patients. Deep ice-pick type scars did not improve with the procedure. Conclusions: The studied treatment promotes overall improvement in skin texture and a discreet effect on acne scars.

Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS; CICATRIX; COMBINED MODALITY THERAPY; ESTHETICS

Inflammatory acne lesions may cause unaesthetic scars. Several treatments have been described to ameliorate its appearance. Will be described the treatment with subcision in two patients with acne and dystrophic crateriform facial scars. The female patient performed Microneedling in the same session of subcision. There was good clinical outcome in the treated areas of both patients after three monthly sessions.

Keywords: CICATRIX; ACNE VULGARIS; CASE REPORTS

Acne scars present at the end of the inflammatory phase of acne vulgaris have been treated with procedures that stimulate the production of collagen, such as microneedling. Six patients with acne scars were selected. Microneedling was performed with 2.5 mm needles. Subjective improvement was observed in all patients. In the technique of percutaneous collagen induction there is release of cytokines, growth factors and angiogenesis, with final production of type I collagen, making microneedling an excellent option for the treatment of acne scars, both for its cost/ benefit and for not drawing patients away from their daily activities.

Keywords: ACNE VULGARIS; CICATRIX; TREATMENT OUTCOME

Introduction: Acne scars result from inflammation of acne vulgaris and are a frequent cause of complaints in dermatology practices. Atrophic scars are the most common, and may be classified into superficial, medium, and deep. There are several treatment options for deep atrophic scars, however they have limited efficacy in general, undesirable side effects and are expensive.
Objective: To evaluate the treatment of deep atrophic scars with high frequency electrosurgery.
Methods: Ten patients with deep atrophic acne scars received 3 high frequency electrosurgery treatment sessions with intervals of 1 month. The following were used to evaluate the outcome 1 month after the last session: histological aspects of selected scars as compared to the baseline; ratings attributed to the results by the patients (worsened, unchanged or improved); and standardized photographs at baseline and 1 month after the last session performed by a physician not related to the study, who also rated the results (worsened, unchanged or improved).
Results: Histological analysis evidenced a reduction in local fibrosis. All patients noticed improvement in the lesions. The evaluator dermatologist physician verified the presence of clinical improvement in all patients.
Conclusion: High frequency electrosurgery is a straightforward, inexpensive and effective method for the treatment of atrophic deep acne scars.

Keywords: CICATRIX; ACNE VULGARIS; ELECTROSURGERY

Introduction: Acne is a multifactorial disease where inflammatory lesions usually appear as papules, pustules and comedones. It is more common in people aged between 11 and 30 years, and occurs in various body sites where there are high concentrations of pilosebaceous glands. Acne has different classifications and treatments. More recently, platelet growth factors have been used as an alternative therapy for acne scars.
Objective: The present study is aimed at describing a case of nodule-cystic acne and acne scars Grades 1, 2 and 3b treated with platelet rich plasma and highlighting the effectiveness of the treatment.
Methods: Platelet rich plasma was applied for three months in the left side of the face of a patient bearing acne.
Results: In the clinical and photographic evaluations, there was improvement in the skin appearance and quality, less number of lesions and decrease of pain.
Conclusions: The present study has demonstrated the effectiveness of platelet rich plasma as a treatment for acne and resulting scars.

Keywords: PLATELET-RICH PLASMA; ACNE VULGARIS; CICATRIX

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic dermatosis, usually anogenital and mainly affecting pos-menopausal women. The use of topical corticosteroids is the mainstay of medical treatment. Other treatments are topical testosterone, calcineurin inhibitors, photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy, antibiotic therapy and laser therapy. In this article, five patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus which had no response to treatment with topical clobetasol, had good results when treated with fractional Erbium:YAG laser 2940.

Keywords: LASER THERAPY; VULVAR LICHEN SCLEROSUS; 17-HYDROXYCORTICOSTEROIDS

INTRODUCTION: Acne scars treatment is challenging since, in the most of the cases, there are different types of scars in the same patient.
OBJECTIVE: Associate three distinct acne scar treatment techniques in the same session in order to optimize results.
METHODS: Retrospective observational study evaluating 25 patients with acne scars treated with the following sequence of associated techniques: high frequency electrosurgery, CO₂ laser and Nd:YAP laser.
RESULTS: High patient satisfaction index and evident improvement in photographs in most of cases.
CONCLUSIONS: The combination of techniques in one session was safe and effective in the treatment of acne scars, a condition of great psychological impact to affected individuals.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris; Cicatrix; Laser therapy

Acne is a common condition that often results in scarring. We propose a novel treatment of acne scarring using: 1- chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS), mainly with carbolic acid, 2- blunt bi-level cannula subcision, and 3- microneedling. A total of 139 patients were treated from 2017- 2018, of which 89 (64%) were Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV-VI. This triple approach to treating acne scars resulted in consistent high satisfaction from patients and photographic evidence of improvement. A combination of CROSS (to stimulate neocollagenesis), subcision (to release dermal connective tissue tethering), and microneedling (to stimulate neocollagenesis) is effective for acne scar treatment.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris; Acne keloid; Cicatrix; Cosmetic techniques

BACKGROUND: The microneedling technique and the transdermal drug delivery are indicated to treat acne scars.
OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the microneedling technique associated with the drug delivery of the epidermal growth factor (EGF).
METHODS: Randomized double-blind clinical trial of 30 patients divided into two groups: (1) - two microneedling sessions with a 30-day interval, (2) - two microneedling sessions with the same interval but associated with EGF drug delivery. The patients were evaluated clinically (global acne scarring grading system - Goodman and Baron) global acne scarring grading system via multispectral image and through self-perception questionnaires. The statistical analysis (Student T-test, SNK test, analysis of variance) was performed with the SisVar software (UFLA, 1996).
RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous regarding age, gender, and phototype. Clinical assessments showed a reduction in severity scores for both groups. The multispectral analysis revealed a decrease in porphyrins (p = 0.0296) and an improvement in skin texture in group 2 subjects.
CONCLUSION: Microneedling therapy was effective and safe for the acne scars treatment, and EGF demonstrated to be a promising strategy as well.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris; Cicatrix; Skin

Atrophic acne scars result from an abnormal wound-healing response that can be treated with microneedling (MN). Insulin may play a role in wound healing. The effectiveness and safety of combining MN with topical insulin as an alternative therapy for atrophic acne scar revision have not yet been widely reported. We report the case of a 33-year-old woman with an atrophic acne scar on the middle third of her face. The patient was treated with MN and topical insulin for four sessions at two-week intervals. MN plus insulin can be considered an alternative for acne scar revision.

Keywords: Acne Vulgar; Insulina; Cicatriz; Hiperpigmentação