Microneedling With and Without Vitamin C versus Fractional CO2LASER in Treating Abdominal Striae Distensae Alba: A ComparativeClinical and Histopathological Study

Abstract

Background: Striae distensae, a common skin condition,represent linear dermal scars accompanied by epidermalatrophy.Aim of Study: The aim of this prospective self controlledcomparative study is to evaluate and compare between micro-needling only, microneedling with topical vitamin C 15%application and fractional CO2 LASER in treatment of ab-dominal striae distensae alba.Patients and Methods: This prospective self-controlledcomparative study included 30 patients with abdominal striaedistensae alba (five patients skipped the study). Samplingmethod equation and program: MedCalc® version 12.3.0.0 (Ostend, Belgium)was used for calculation of sample size,statistical calculator based on 95% confidence interval andpower of the study was 80% with a error 5%. Type of samplingwas simple random sampling.All patients were from the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic,Ain-Shams University Hospitals in the period from December2016 till July 2017.This study was approved by the Research Ethical Com-mittee of Faculty of Medicine Ain Shams University. Allpatients signed an informing written consent with full infor-mation about the description of the procedure of treatment,possible side effects and photo documentation.Results: Microneedling in combination with vitamin C isan effective, safe and low-cost therapy treatment modalityfor abdominal striae distensae alba Addition of topical vitamin C increases the treatment outcome. It is easy to perform with no observable side effects or serious complications and results in great patient satisfaction with high induction of both collagen and elastin and increase in epidermal thickness and rete ridges.Although fractional CO2 LASER has been proven to play a role in collagen and elastin induction but the presence of complications as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation leads to decrease in patient satisfaction.