The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser therapy immediately followed by intralesional steroid therapy against intralesional steroid therapy alone for the treatment of keloids.
Intralesional corticosteroids remain the gold standard treatment for keloids. However, more effective therapies are desperately desired. Ablative fractional laser (AFL) treatment facilitates delivery of intralesional steroid more deeply and uniformly into the skin by creating vertical channels. Recent studies have showed that fractional laser assisted steroid therapy can be effective in the treatment of keloids. However the studies are lacking in comparing this treatment modality to the gold standard of intralesional steroids.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
30
CO2 ablative laser plus intralesional triamcinolone acetonide A topical EMLA cream or tetracaine 7%/lidocaine 23% will be applied to the both treatment sites and after sufficient anesthesia is attained, one keloid will be treated with the fractional CO2 laser using standard protocol as practiced in our clinics followed by intralesional triamcinolone acetonide. One lesion would be treated with fractional CO2 ablative laser followed with intralesional triamcinolone acetonide at 4 weeks intervals
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Mean Change in Composite Observer Score for Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)
Data from POSAS Observer Scale will be collected and reported to assess vascularity, pigmentation, thickness, relief, pliability, and surface area of the keloids chosen for the research study. Total score range: 6-60; Higher scores mean a worse outcome. Mean composite score of the final visit was compared to the mean baseline score.
Time frame: Once every 4 weeks for 16 weeks
Mean Change in Composite Patient Score for Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)
Data from POSAS Observer Scale will be collected and reported to assess vascularity, pigmentation, thickness, relief, pliability, and surface area of the keloids chosen for the research study. Total score range: 6-60; Higher scores mean a worse outcome. Mean composite score of the final visit was compared to the mean baseline score.
Time frame: Once every 4 weeks for 16 weeks
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