A study on the efficacy of TCA CROSS for the management of acne scars

Objectives: the purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of the cross method on atrophic acne scars in indian patients. patients and methods: we selected twenty cases with ice pick scars from the department of dermatology for the study. focal application of 70% tca was done by pressing hard on the entire depressed area of atrophic acne scars using a sharpened wooden applicator. results: after treatment, marked improvement was seen in 60% patients, moderate improvement in 30% patients and mild improvement was seen in 10% patients. regarding the side effects of treatment, erythema was seen in 15% patients, and stinging was noted in 10% patients and postprocedure hyperpigmentation was seen in none of the patients. conclusions: cross is a safe and very effective single modality for the treatment of atrophic acne scars with no significant complications.