Clinical and Histological Effects of Topical Epidermal Growth Factor on Acne and Acne Scars

Abstract

Background: The inflammatory lesions of acne leave scars which greatly affect patients’ quality of life. Treatment options targeting both acne and acne scars are still lacking. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of epidermal growth factor ointment (EGFO) on acne and acne scars. Methods: The study design was 12-week, prospective, split-face, single-blinded. The 36 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris applied EGFO on one side of the face and the vehicle ointment on the other side twice daily. The patients were assessed every 4 weeks by acne lesion and scar counts, investigator’s global assessment for acne (IGA) and scar (SGA), and the ECCA scar grading scale. Biopsies were performed before and after treatment. Results: Acne and acne scars were significantly improved on EGFO-treated sides, while control sides were not. Acne lesion and scar counts were significantly reduced after 4 weeks, while IGA, SGA, and ECCA grade significantly decreased after 8 weeks. Immunohistochemistry showed decreased expression of keratin 16, NF-κB p65, IL-1α, and IL-8, and increased expression of TGF-β1, elastin, and collagen type 1, 3 after treatment. Conclusions: EGFO can be a treatment option targeting acne and acne scars.