Combination of fractional carbon dioxide laser and topical triamcinolone vs intralesional triamcinolone for keloid treatment: A randomised clinical trial.

Abstract

To compare the therapeutic effect of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser + topical triamcinolone (TA) with intralesional TA on keloids. Twenty-two participants were randomised into two groups: group A, treated with fractional CO2 laser + topical TA, and group B, treated with intralesional TA. The interventions were performed at every 4-week interval until the keloids were resolved or at the completion of 1year. At each session, the scar volume, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) were assessed. Recurrence was observed for 1year. The mean scar volumes and VSS scores were not significantly different between the two groups. After 1year, the scar volume change in group B was greater than group A (86.5% vs 59.1%, P-value=.016). The mean VSS scores were significantly decreased in group A (8.0 ± 1.5 to 4.8 ± 1.6, P-value <.001) and group B (8.4 ± 0.8 to 4.8 ± 1.6, P-value <.001). The keloids were completely resolved in 63.6% and 72.7% of the patients, and recurrence was observed in 9.1% and 18.2% of the patients in groups A and B, respectively. The combination of fractional CO2 laser with topical TA was an alternative option for the treatment of keloids.