Efficacy and safety of non‐cross‐linked hyaluronic acid compound in the treatment of keratosis pilaris: A split‐body randomized clinical trial

• Published in: Journal of cosmetic dermatology Vol. 23; no. 12; pp. 3903 - 3910
• Main Authors: Li, Yao, Wang, Shi‐Wei, Liu, Yan‐Hua, Zou, Mu‐Yan, Wu, Jia‐Xu, Luo, Sheng‐Kang, Hong, Wei‐Jin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England John Wiley and Sons Inc 01.12.2024
• Subjects: Abnormalities, Multiple - drug therapy; Adolescent; Adult; clinical efficacy; Darier Disease - diagnosis; Darier Disease - drug therapy; Dermoscopy; Erythema - drug therapy; Erythema - etiology; Eyebrows - abnormalities; Eyebrows - drug effects; Female; Humans; Hyaluronic Acid - administration & dosage; Hyaluronic Acid - adverse effects; Hyaluronic Acid - analogs & derivatives; Injectable; keratosis pilaris; Male; Middle Aged; non‐cross‐linked hyaluronic acid compound; Original; Patient Satisfaction; Single-Blind Method; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult; keratosis pilaris; non‐cross‐linked hyaluronic acid compound; clinical efficacy
• ISSN: 1473-2130; 1473-2165; 1473-2165
• DOI: 10.1111/jocd.16532

Background Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a prevalent benign dermatological condition characterized by small bumps at the hair follicles alongside surrounding redness, significantly impacting both aesthetics and mental well‐being. Objective This study investigated the potential benefits of a non‐cross‐linked hyaluronic acid (HA) compound for treating KP. Methods A split‐body, investigator‐blinded, randomized, intraindividual comparative clinical trial was conducted. The non‐cross‐linked HA compound was injected into KP‐affected regions on both upper arms. The treatment was delivered across four sessions scheduled at 4‐week intervals. Blinded physicians and patients assessed differences in erythema, skin roughness, and overall scores between treated and control areas at the final follow‐up visit. At the 12th and 24th weeks post‐treatment, a four‐point scale was utilized to assess subjects' perceived treatment efficacy. Additionally, dermoscopic images, histological alterations, and adverse events were monitored. Results Physician assessments revealed a significant reduction in roughness and overall scores for treated areas compared to controls. Patient self‐assessments also reflected improvements in roughness, redness, and overall scores for treated sides at the final visit, with 35.71% of patients demonstrating sustained improvement in redness and 71.43% reporting persistent improvements in roughness at 24th weeks post‐treatment. The dermatoscopic examinations revealed a notable enhancement in both the quantity of follicular plugs and the extent of erythema among the subjects in the treatment group. Histopathological outcomes also demonstrated improvement. Conclusion This study suggests that the non‐cross‐linked HA compound effectively improves skin roughness and promotes hair shaft growth in KP treatment, demonstrating a favorable safety profile. These findings position it as a potentially viable alternative therapy in clinical practice.