Ask an answerable question (PICO):
In the cosmetic surgery unit affiliated with the medical center, cases of facial acne are commonly encountered due to excessive sebum secretion, leading to acne formation. Patients seek medical attention, especially those with depressed red scar formations on both cheeks. This issue, impacting personal facial aesthetics, prompts an investigation into whether acne patients undergoing carbon dioxide laser treatment (CO2 fractional laser) can effectively improve skin smoothness.
The Method and Analysis of Literature Review:
The present study utilized databases such as Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, and CEPS (Chinese Electronic Periodical Services) for data collection. Following the PICO framework, keywords were set, and MeSH terms along with Boolean logic were applied. Inclusion criteria were defined as (1) systematic literature reviews or randomized controlled trials, (2) acne patients aged 18 and above, and (3) intervention involving CO2 laser treatment. Ultimately, the study included one systematic literature review article for critical appraisal.
Critical Appraisal:
The critical appraisal was conducted using the 2018 version of the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Systematic Review checklist. The literature quality was assessed according to the 2011 Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria, categorizing the evidence level as Level I.
Results, Conclusions and Recommendations:
Acne is a prevalent skin issue in modern society, often causing distress to affected individuals due to its impact on appearance. Different types of acne require varying treatment approaches to achieve optimal results. The results of this study indicate that acne patients who undergo CO2 laser treatment experience significant improvement in skin smoothness (95% CI 0.13 - 0.84, P = 0.008). It is recommended that, in the assessment of acne patients, laser treatment can be considered in conjunction with pharmacological interventions to enhance therapeutic outcomes and optimize facial aesthetics. This approach could prove to be a significant benefit for individuals dealing with acne-related concerns.