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.