Phytic acid (myoinositol hexaphosphate) is found in almost all grains, fibers, and plants. It is a natural plant antioxidant. Easy phytic peel is a commercial product; it has a slow release, which promotes continuous penetration of the skin, and requires no external neutralization.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chemical peeling using a solution composed of phytic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid in the treatment of acne vulgaris and melasma.
This study was carried out on 40 patients: 20 with active lesions of acne vulgaris and 20 with melasma. Both groups were treated with the aforementioned solution every week for 6 weeks.
A highly significant decrease in the Global Acne Grading System scores and the Melasma Area Severity Index scores was reported after treatment (P<0.001) in case of patients with acne and melasma, respectively. However, the results of peeling were much more promising in patients with active acne compared with in those with melasma. No side effects were observed during or after treatment.
Peeling with this combination can be considered an effective, safe, and well-tolerated procedure in the treatment of patients affected with active acne and melasma.
Keloid is one of the most challenging clinical problems encountered in wound healing. Although there are numerous treatment modalities, none of them have shown excellent therapeutic results.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacies of 80% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of patients with keloid scars.
Thirty keloid patients were divided into two groups (each consisting of 15 patients). In group A, keloid scars were punctured using a punch instrument previously dipped in 80% TCA, whereas in group B keloid scars were injected intralesionally with botulinum toxin type A (2.5 U/cm3;). All patients underwent three to five therapeutic sessions 1 month apart, and follow-up for 1 year. The therapeutic response was determined according to the scores on the Vancouver scar scale and a self-assessment scale for pain and pruritus.
In group A, the mean scores on the Vancouver scar scale before and after treatment were 9.73±1.33 and 4.94±2.44, respectively, with a total improvement of 49%. In group B, the mean scores on the Vancouver scar scale before and after treatment were 9.05±1.34 and 4.68±2.67, respectively, with a total improvement of 48%. Comparison between mean values obtained on the Vancouver scar scale in groups A and B after treatment showed a statistically nonsignificant difference. Group B showed better improvement as per the self-assessment score. Most common side effects were reported in group A and were in the form of hyperpigmentation (33.3%), hypopigmentation (6.7%), and mixed pigmentation (6.7%). Relapses occurred in 26.7% of patients in group A, whereas no relapses occurred in group B.
The 80% TCA multiple puncture technique is better than botulinum toxin type A in the treatment against keloids.