Study of quality of life indicators in patients with atrophic postacne scars after laser ablation techniques

Abstract

Introduction. Atrophic postacne scars are a persistent cosmetic defect, cause psychological discomfort, and significantly reduce patients' quality of life. Laser technologies are effectively used for their treatment. The aim of the study was to investigate the quality of life in patients with atrophic post-cancerous scars before and after the use of laser methods of scar correction. Materials and methods. A randomized comparative clinical trial included 120 patients with atrophic postacne scars divided into two comparable groups of 60 patients each. Patients received laser ablation procedures with an Erbium laser (2940 nm). The Dermatological Quality of Life Index (DQLI) questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life before and after the laser procedures. Results. The DICG of patients before treatment ranged from 8 to 17 points and averaged 12.962.05 points. In women the mean value of DICG was 14.221.34 points and was higher compared to men (11.141.45 points) (p0.05). After fractional laser ablation procedures and the procedures of its combination with the treatment of the scar edge with a solid stain, improvement of the DICG scores was observed; intergroup differences were found in self-esteem, in the choice of clothing, in personal and intimate relationships, and in the assessment of daily routine. Discussion. The pre-treatment DICG scores of patients with postacne scars indicate a strong impact of the disease on quality of life. The DICG in women was higher than in men, which may be associated with a greater degree of women's anxiety about the aesthetic condition of the skin and appearance. After treatment, the degree of impact of the disease on patients' quality of life decreased to moderate in both groups. Conclusion. The combined method of treatment contributes to the reduction of DICG compared to fractional ablation procedures, which indicates greater patient satisfaction with the result of these procedures.