OBJECTIVE: Patients with acne usually develops acne scars subsequently, early intervention of scars is crucial in acne management. 1927nm fractional thulium fiber laser (TFL) is effective in scars improvement and chemical peels with 30% supramolecular salicylic acid (SSA) can be applied for the treatment of acne. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of TFL monotherapy versus the concomitant application of TFL and 30% SSA on acne and acne scars.
METHODS: Thirty-three patients with acne and acne scars were enrolled, and two sides of the face were randomly divided to receive either TFL and SSA chemical peeling or TFL. Four sessions of TFL treatments were applied with 4-week intervals for both sides, SSA combined treatment side received eight SSA chemical peels with 2-week intervals additionally. GAGS, ECCA score, the number of acne lesions, melanin index (MI) and erythema index (EI), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and side effects were recorded at Weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, and 18. Satisfaction of patients was recorded on both sides at the end of the study.
RESULTS: Thirty patients completed the study. Both control group (TFL monotherapy) and SSA group (TFL combined with SSA chemical peeling) significantly improved GAGS and ECCA score. SSA group showed higher efficacy in terms of GAGS and ECCA score, acne lesion count, TEWL, MI, EI, and satisfaction than control group. All the side effects were temporary and tolerable, no adverse effects were observed.
CONCLUSIONS: Both TFL and the TFL combined with 30% SSA chemical peeling are safe and effective for the treatment and prevention of acne and acne scars, though the combined group has higher efficacy.

UNASSIGNED: Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a common self-limiting viral infection of the skin. Many therapeutic agents have been used for it with varying success rates.
UNASSIGNED: To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety profile of topical 20% glycolic acid and 30% salicylic acid in the treatment of MC in pediatric patients.
UNASSIGNED: All patients of MC between 1 and 15 years of age attending the outpatient department of dermatology were randomized into two treatment groups A and B. Group A was treated with 20% glycolic acid solution, and group B was treated with 30% salicylic acid solution daily for 4 weeks. Parents of patients were instructed to apply the medication once daily at night for 1 h on the lesions only. The assessment of response and side effects were analyzed in all the patients weekly for 4 weeks during the daily treatment protocol. Follow-up was done monthly for 3 months after the completion of therapy.
UNASSIGNED: At the end of 4 weeks, group A patients (60 patients) were treated with 20% glycolic acid out of which 34 (56.66%) patients had a complete clearance of lesions. Group B patients were treated with 30% salicylic acid out of which 38 (63.33%) had a complete clearance of lesions. Secondary bacterial infection was the most common side effect followed by postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in both groups.
UNASSIGNED: 30% salicylic acid was found to be more effective and has less side-effect profile in the treatment of MC than 20% glycolic acid.