epidermal-growth-factor and Facial-Dermatoses

Melasma is a condition in which patients develop symmetric, reticulated, hyperpigmented macules and patches on the face which is thought to be the result of ultraviolet (UV) exposure and hormonal influences, although the pathogenesis is not completely understood. The topical application of epidermal growth factor has been used as a whitening agent, moisturizer, and an aid for wound healing. In this study, we explore the efficacy of topical EGF in the treatment of melasma.. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face study to determine the efficacy of a topical EGF serum in the treatment of melasma. Fifteen women with a mean age of 44 were randomized to treatment side of the face and applied a topical EGF serum and a placebo twice daily to each designated side of the face for eight weeks. Patient satisfaction was assessed by use of the MelasQoL Questionnaire as well as a patient outcome survey. Subjects were evaluated using the Physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) by two board-certified dermatologists.. GAIS scores showed an improvement in the melasma in 73.4% of subjects vs 13% improvement for the placebo side. The average MelasQoL questionnaire score decreased from 42 to 33 with 73% of subjects having an improvement in their score. In addition, 73% of subjects reported an improvement in their melasma. No adverse events or side effects were reported with use of the topical serum or placebo.. This study suggests that topical EGF is a safe, noninvasive, and effective treatment for melasma. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(6):970-973.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Adult; Double-Blind Method; Drug Administration Schedule; Epidermal Growth Factor; Facial Dermatoses; Female; Humans; Melanosis; Patient Satisfaction; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome

Atrophic acne scars are a common and psychologically devastating sequela of acne vulgaris that are refractory to the vast majority of topical treatments.. We evaluated the efficacy of a topically applied synthetic epidermal growth factor (EGF) serum in reducing the appearance of atrophic acne scars.. A single-center clinical trial was performed on nine self-selected male and female patients with Goodman & Baron grade II-IV atrophic acne scars. Subjects followed a standardized treatment regimen, including twice-daily application of EGF serum to scarred areas over 12 weeks. Subject progress was evaluated at baseline and 4-week intervals by clinical photography, Investigator Global Assessment (IGA), Goodman grade and patient self-assessment. Final patient perceptions were shared by written self-assessment at the end of the study. Before and after photographs were also evaluated by a blind investigator.. Eight subjects completed the trial. Compared to baseline, there was an improvement in mean IGA score from 2.875 (SEM= .327) to 2.38 (SEM = .375). Mean Goodman grade was reduced from 3.00 (SEM = .309) to 2.75 (SEM = .25). Of the eight pairs of before and after photographs given to a blind investigator, five were correctly chosen as the post-treatment image. Two were assessed as "excellent" (76-100%) improvement and three were assessed as "good" (50-75%) improvement. A one-tailed paired student t-test (α = .05) using blind investigator ratings of scar severity for each before and after photograph yielded a P-value of .0019, confirming the difference as statistically significant. On final self-assessment, all but one patient reported "good" to "excellent" improvement in their scars compared to baseline. 75% of patients who received alternative treatments in prior years reported EGF serum to be more efficacious.. These results suggest that topical EGF may improve the appearance of atrophic acne scars, though further study and more objective evaluation measures are required for definitive conclusions to be drawn.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Administration, Topical; Adult; Atrophy; Cicatrix; Epidermal Growth Factor; Facial Dermatoses; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Photography; Pilot Projects; Severity of Illness Index; Single-Blind Method; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult