Abstract
Background: During ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) laser therapy, thermal damage to the skin is inevitable, resulting in inflammatory responses and small wounds. Corticosteroids are known for their anti-inflammatory effect. However, inappropriate application of corticosteroids carries the risk of delayed wound healing. Therefore, we aimed to find the optimal administration route, timing, and duration of medium potency corticosteroid treatment to prevent AFR laser-induced inflammatory responses and to minimize the risk of delayed wound healing. Methods: We determined the anti-inflammatory efficacy of corticosteroids by skin erythema and tissue biopsies on C57BL/6 mice. Wound healing was evaluated by crust area and epithelial gap. Finally, Masson’s trichrome stain and α-SMA immunohistochemistry stain were used to analyze scar contracture. Results: Our results demonstrated that one dose of medium-potency topical corticosteroid applied immediately after AFR laser treatment could prevent erythema effectively with minimal disruption to wound healing. Notably, when more than one dose was administered, wound healing was delayed and scar contracture was aggravated by the application of medium-potency topical corticosteroids in a dosage-dependent manner. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that single-dose medium-potency topical corticosteroids could potentially improve AFR laser-induced acute inflammatory responses in clinical applications.
Highlights
The ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) laser has been widely used clinically to treat acne, scars, photoaging, rhytides, laxity, morphea, and for drug delivery [1]
The a* and4 ofb*11values sites were significantly higher in the control and subcutaneous injection (SC) groups than in normal skin difference was observed in these values between the TO group and normal skin difference wason observed these values between the TO group normal skin
That medium-potency topical corticosteroids applied immediately laser treatment was we found that medium-potency topical corticosteroids appliedafter immediately after laser the optimal treatment regimen to prevent laser-induced transient erythema
Summary
The ablative fractional resurfacing (AFR) laser has been widely used clinically to treat acne, scars, photoaging, rhytides, laxity, morphea, and for drug delivery [1]. AFR lasers produce hundreds of microscopic thermal zones (MTZs) within a small area. MTZs seldom lead to scar formation [5,6]. Adverse post-treatment responses to AFR laser therapy include erythema, swelling, blistering, oozing, crusting, delayed wound healing, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and scarring [7,8]. These side effects are usually not detrimental or permanent; they are upsetting and lead to considerable psychological stress
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
