Background: This inflammatory condition affects the pilosebaceous unit, causing comedones, inflammatory papules, and pustules to appear on the face, chest, and back. Propionibacterium acnes and inflammation surrounding the pilosebaceous unit, aberrant keratinization, and increased sebum production all play a role in acne's pathophysiology. Scarring from acne and acne can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of embarrassment, all of which have a negative impact on one's overall wellbeing.
Objective: To see if topical adapalene can help with post-acne scar treatment.
Methods: The databases were searched for articles published in English in 4 data bases [PubMed – Google scholar- Egyptian Knowledge Bank - Science direct] and Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) had been used such as topical adapalene and post acne scars OR acne scar treatment and in peer-reviewed articles between January 2000 and March 2021. Documents in a language apart from English have been excluded as sources for interpretation was not found. Papers apart from main scientific studies had been excluded (documents unavailable as total written text, conversation, conference abstract papers and dissertations).
Results: Anti-acne retinoid adapalene (ADP) was licensed by the FDA in 1996 for use in treating acne. It improves the appearance of the skin of the face by reducing facial lesions. Acne lesions, both inflammatory and non-inflammatory, respond well to adapalene gel treatment. In terms of adverse effects, the medicine is completely safe and does not cause burning or dryness.
Conclusion: It is possible that adapalene, which has been shown to be effective in the therapy of photoaging-related skin damage, could have a similar effect on the treatment of atrophic acne scars.