The inflammatory lesions of acne leave scars that significantly affect patients′ quality of life. However, there are still limited treatment options targeting both acne and acne scars.

The present study evaluated the clinical efficacy of epidermal growth factor ointment (EGFO) on acne and acne scars.

It enrolled 36 patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris who received twice daily application of EGFO on one side of the face and the vehicle ointment on the other. The study assessed the patients every 4 weeks by acne lesion and scar counts, investigator′s global assessment for acne (IGA) and scar (SGA), and the ECCA scar grading scale. It also performed biopsies before and after treatment.

The study observed:

• Significant improvement in acne and acne scars on EGFO-treated sides but not on control sides.
• Significant reduction in acne lesion and scar counts after 4 weeks.
• Significant decrease in IGA, SGA and ECCA grades after 8 weeks.
• Decreased expression of keratin 16, NF-κB p65, IL-1α and IL-8, and increased expression of TGF-β1, elastin and collagen type 1, 3 after treatment.

This study shows the potential of EGFO in targeting acne and acne scars.

Source: Kim DH, Yang JH, Cho SI, et al. Clinical and histological effects of topical epidermal growth factor on acne and acne scars. Dermatology. 2022;238(5):837-845.