The efficacy and tolerability of 40% pyruvic acid peel on acne vulgaris, post acne scar and hyperpigmentation in Indians.

Abstract

Pyruvic acid in concentration between 40% and 70% is currently been used as a superficial to medium peeling agent for various dermatological indications including acne. However, there is a paucity of its efficacy studies on acne in Asians, particularly in Indian skin. Our study was aimed at determining the efficacy and tolerability of 40% pyruvic acid on acne, post-acne hyperpigmentation, and scarring. A total of 30 patients with active acne, post-acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation were included. Patients already on oral antibiotic or topical antiacne medication for the last 4weeks, a history of hypertrophic scarring, keloids, active or recurrent herpes were excluded. Chemical peeling was done at 2weekly interval from 0 to 12weeks. An objective assessment of active acne lesions, post-acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation was made at each visit that is at 0, 4,8,12, and 24weeks. Patients were followed up 2weeks after the last peel and again at 24weeks. Permission from the ethical committee was also obtained. There was significant decrease in the number of comedones at 12weeks compared with 0week (p=0.001). Similarly, the number of papules decreased from o weeks to 12weeks (p value 0.004). Acne score improved from 0weeks to 12weeks (p<0.0001); from 0weeks to 24weeks (p=0.011). and hyperpigmentation improved from 0weeks to 12weeks (p=0.008); from 0weeks to 24weeks (p=0.021). Our study showed a significant decrease in comedones, papules, acne score, and hyperpigmentation, though acne scar did not improve significantly. However, a study with larger sample is needed due to the limited number of patient population in our study.