Shanna Bitencourt1, Adroaldo Lunardelli2, Robson Henrich Amaral3, Henrique Bregolin Dias4, Emerson Soldateli Boschi4, Jarbas Rodrigues de Oliveira4. 1. Laboratório de Cultura de Células, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Centro Universitário UNIVATES, Lajeado, Brazil. 2. Centro Universitário Ritter dos Reis (Uniritter), Porto Alegre, Brazil. 3. Laboratório de Análises Clínicas, Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. 4. Laboratório de Pesquisa em Biofísica Celular e Inflamação, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Striae distensae are linear atrophic dermal scars with associated epidermal atrophy. This recurrent skin disorder causes a significant cosmetic and psychologic concern and remains a therapeutic challenge, especially when they are mature and hypopigmented (striae alba). AIMS: In this prospective single-center study, we evaluated the efficacy, safety, and patient's satisfaction of galvanopuncture for the treatment of striae alba. PATIENTS/ METHODS: Thirty-two female subjects with striae alba present on the buttocks were treated with galvanopuncture once a week over a period of 10 weeks. Photographs and a percentage category scale were used to assess striae improvement and patient's satisfaction. Biochemical analyses were performed to assess possible systemic inflammatory effects or oxidative stress induction by the treatment. RESULTS: All patients achieved a substantial increase in clinical improvement in their striae within 10 treatment sessions. Galvanopuncture did not induce any inflammatory effect; however, it reduced oxidative injury. CONCLUSION: The use of galvanopuncture for the treatment of striae alba demonstrated a significant improvement in the lesions with visible results. This study supports the high degree of patient's satisfaction and demonstrate the safe and effective use of galvanopuncture in the treatment of striae alba on several skin types.
BACKGROUND: Striae distensae are linear atrophic dermal scars with associated epidermal atrophy. This recurrent skin disorder causes a significant cosmetic and psychologic concern and remains a therapeutic challenge, especially when they are mature and hypopigmented (striae alba). AIMS: In this prospective single-center study, we evaluated the efficacy, safety, and patient's satisfaction of galvanopuncture for the treatment of striae alba. PATIENTS/ METHODS: Thirty-two female subjects with striae alba present on the buttocks were treated with galvanopuncture once a week over a period of 10 weeks. Photographs and a percentage category scale were used to assess striae improvement and patient's satisfaction. Biochemical analyses were performed to assess possible systemic inflammatory effects or oxidative stress induction by the treatment. RESULTS: All patients achieved a substantial increase in clinical improvement in their striae within 10 treatment sessions. Galvanopuncture did not induce any inflammatory effect; however, it reduced oxidative injury. CONCLUSION: The use of galvanopuncture for the treatment of striae alba demonstrated a significant improvement in the lesions with visible results. This study supports the high degree of patient's satisfaction and demonstrate the safe and effective use of galvanopuncture in the treatment of striae alba on several skin types.
Authors: Wai Ching Lin; Robert A Byers; Wei Li; Simon G Danby; Michael J Cork; Stephen J Matcher Journal: Biomed Opt Express Date: 2021-05-11 Impact factor: 3.732