Fusidic acid cream comparatively minimizes signs of inflammation and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation after ablative fractional CO2 laser resurfacing in Chinese patients: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: ) treatment for both rejuvenation and acne scars. AIMS: treatment for atrophic acne scars. METHODS: Sixty Chinese patients who fulfilled the study criteria were recruited and randomly assigned to an experimental group treated with fusidic acid cream or a control group treated with erythromycin ointment. Postoperative treatment lasted for 7 days in each group. Each patient had two follow-up visits at 8 and 12 weeks. In total, three patients dropped out of the study, one in the experimental group at week 8 and two in the control group at weeks 8 and 12. Baseline and postoperative inflammation and PIH were assessed by facial examination, photographs, and questionnaires. Besides, PIH was evaluated by the Hyperpigmentation Activity and Severity Index (HASI) and a five-point grading system. RESULTS: Moderate-to-severe PIH was observed in both groups. However, the mean HASI score and severity of PIH in the experimental group were lower than those of the control group at weeks 8 and 12 (P < 0.05). In the control group, one patient developed postoperative abscesses and one had papules, whereas no inflammation was observed in the experimental group participants. CONCLUSION: therapy to reduce postoperative inflammation and PIH.