ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF POST-ACNE SCARS ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH FRACTIONAL CO2 LASER

Abstract

Introduction: Although research has been conducted on the psychosocial impact of post-acne scarring in young people, and there have been few reports on the consequences of post-acne scarring on the quality of life. In fact, there are barely any reports of the change in quality of life (QOL) post acne scar management. Aims and objectives: This study was intended to assess the impact of acne scarring on the quality of life in patients before initiating acne scar management with C02 laser and the improvement in quality of life after the completion of therapy. Materials and methods: Patients over the age of 18 years with atrophic acne scars were included to be a part of the study. The dermatology life quality of life index (DLQI) and The facial Acne Scar Quality of Life (FASQoL) was assessed at baseline. The cases were subjected to CO2 laser sessions. The improvement in quality of life was assessed using the change in scores of DLQI and FASQoL.Results: This study included 100 cases with acne scars. The mean DLQI score of our at baseline was 8.19±1.33 while the mean FASQoL score was 12.49±1.02. Females had a signicantly higher impact on quality of life at baseline. After completion of CO2 laser therapy treatment, there was a signicant fall in the DLQI score. The DLQI score reduced to 4.18±1.87 (p value-0.0001), while he mean FASQoL also reduced to 5.31±0.24. The improvement was highly signicant (p value=0.0001). Conclusion: Post-acne scars have a considerable detrimental impact on patients' QOL, emphasizing the importance of increasing public awareness through education programs and early treatment. Fractional laser treatment is quick and easy for these individuals and provides a signicant improvement in the patient's quality of life.