Retrospective analysis of the clinical efficacy of topical hyaluronic acid in promoting skin recovery and reducing inflammatory reactions after fractional laser treatment

BackgroundFractional laser treatment is widely used to improve skin problems such as scars and photoaging; however, it is prone to causing adverse reactions such as erythema and edema after the procedure. Topical hyaluronic acid can provide moisturizing, reparative, anti-inflammatory, and healing effects, but related research remains limited.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of topical hyaluronic acid dressings in promoting skin recovery and reducing inflammatory reactions after fractional laser surgery, thereby providing a reference for clinical postoperative care.MethodThis study is a retrospective comparative cohort study, with data collection and analysis conducted by researchers who did not participate in patient treatment. A total of 113 patients who underwent fractional laser treatment in our hospital from January 2021 to January 2025 were included. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their postoperative care regimen documented in medical records: the Routine Care (RC) group (n = 55) and the routine care + hyaluronic acid (HA) group (n = 58). The main observation indicators included patient’s skin recovery-related indicators (time to erythema disappearance and time to scab shedding) and levels of inflammatory factors [serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)]. The secondary observation indicators included skin barrier function indicators [transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum water content], melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI), and pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores, as well as monitoring of blood routine, liver and kidney function, and local adverse reactions. A multivariate regression analysis was used to explore independent factors affecting postoperative skin recovery, and the efficacy and safety of the comprehensive evaluation plan were evaluated.ResultsThe HA group had significantly shorter times to erythema disappearance and scab shedding than the RC group (p < 0.05). At postoperative days 7 and 14, the HA group exhibited lower serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels (p < 0.05). On day 14, it also had lower TEWL and higher skin moisture content (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, MI, EI, and VAS scores were also notably lower (p < 0.05). A multivariate regression analysis confirmed the use of topical hyaluronic acid as an independent favorable factor for shortening erythema regression time [odds ratio (OR) = 7.394, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.353–23.240, p < 0.001] and reducing day-14 IL-6 levels (OR = 8.109, 95% CI: 3.327–19.768, p < 0.001). No between-group differences were found in blood routine, liver/kidney function, or adverse reaction incidence (χ2 = 0.004, p = 0.952).ConclusionThe combination of hyaluronic acid dressings with routine nursing care was associated with improved skin recovery and reduced inflammatory reactions after fractional laser surgery in this observational comparative cohort, suggesting potential clinical value for postoperative management.