Major of Clinical Medicine, Specialization of Dermatovenereology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Science, Universitas Prima Indonesia, Medan 20118, Indonesia
| Abstract: | Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a treatment combining scar antipruritic softening cream with ultra-pulsed CO2 fractional laser therapy on hypertrophic scars, comparing outcomes, safety, and other relevant factors in patients. Background: Hypertrophic scars, characterized by excessive collagen deposition following skin injury, can significantly impair skin appearance and function, leading to physical discomfort and psychological distress. Existing treatments, including laser therapy, have shown variable effectiveness, necessitating the exploration of combination therapies to enhance treatment outcomes. This study investigates the efficacy of a novel combination treatment to address both the aesthetic and symptomatic challenges posed by hypertrophic scars. Methodology: A total of 186 individuals were randomly assigned to either a test group or a control group, each consisting of 93 participants. The test group received combined treatment with scar antipruritic softening cream and ultra-pulsed CO2 fractional laser, while the control group was treated solely with the laser. The study measured and compared the overall success rate, adverse reaction rates, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, and the decrease in lesion size between the two groups over a specified treatment period. Findings: The test group exhibited an overall success rate of 91.40% and an adverse reaction rate of 3.22%, compared to the control group's rates of 84.94% and 8.60%, respectively. Post-treatment, significant improvements were observed in the test group, with lower VSS and VAS scores and greater lesion size reduction compared to the control group (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that the combination treatment not only enhances scar appearance but also reduces associated symptoms such as itching and discomfort more effectively than laser therapy alone. Conclusion: The combined application of scar antipruritic softening cream with ultra-pulsed CO2 fractional laser treatment significantly improves the management of hypertrophic scars. This approach addresses both the physical and psychological impacts of hypertrophic scars, offering a more comprehensive and effective treatment option. The study's findings support the integration of combination therapies in clinical practice to optimize patient outcomes and quality of life. |
| Keywords: | Hypertrophic Scars; Scar Antipruritic Softening Cream; Ultra-pulse CO2 Fractional Laser; Efficacy; Incidence of Adverse Reactions; VSS (Vancouver Scar Scale) Score; Lesion Reduction Area; VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) Score |
| DOI: | 10.57237/j.wjcm.2024.02.001 |
| [1] | Lin Ling, Zhang Lidan, Zhang Wenjun, et al. Observation of the efficacy of ultra-pulsed CO2 fractional laser combined with triamcinolone acetonide intralesional injection in the treatment of hypertrophic scars. Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics, 2020, 10(2): 42-45. |
| [2] | Wu Xingrong, Zhou Pinghua, Wu Zhiqiang, et al. Intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide combined with CO2 fractional laser treatment for hypertrophic scars. Chinese Journal of Cosmetic Medicine, 2019, 28(9): 32-34. |
| [3] | Wang Yongzhi, Zhang Bang, Hu Yange, et al. Observation of the effects of ultra-pulsed carbon dioxide fractional laser combined with topical Chinese herbal medicine on post-burn hypertrophic scars. Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics, 2019, 9(8): 86-89. |
| [4] | Liang Yan, Chen Xiaoyu, Huang Yucheng. Observation of the effects and adverse reactions of ultra-pulsed CO2 fractional laser treatment for hypertrophic scars. Chinese Journal of Medical Aesthetics, 2019, 9(7): 61-65. |
| [5] | Wu Lirong, Hu Xiaoji, Li Shaorong, et al. Analysis of the therapeutic effect of carbon dioxide fractional laser combined with silicone gel in the treatment of cesarean section skin scars. Anhui Medicine, 2019, 20(3): 559-562. |
| [6] | Liao Xiucheng. Observation on the therapeutic effect of scar itching softening cream introduced by ultrasound in the treatment of post-burn scars. Electronic Journal of Clinical Medical Literature, 2019, 4(1): 54. |
| [7] | Xiao Mingming, Zhang Ruifang, Li Can, et al. The effect of different energy CO2 fractional lasers on bleomycin-induced hypertrophic scars in mice and the influence on the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Progress in Modern Biomedicine, 2022, 19(2): 244-248+221. |
| [8] | Ma Jianbin, Li Hongwei, Wang Yafei, et al. Observation of the effects of intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide combined with ultra-pulsed carbon dioxide fractional laser treatment for hypertrophic scars. Guangdong Medical Journal, 2018, 39(24): 3714-3717. |
| [9] | Sun Chongzhou, Wang Shuaidao, Zhao Tinghui, et al. Long-term therapeutic observation of CO2 fractional laser combined with topical anti-HS drugs for the treatment of hypertrophic scars. Chinese Journal of Cosmetic Medicine, 2018, 27(11): 60-63. |
| [10] | Huang Xianxiang, Zhang Wei, Ye Guangrong, et al. Clinical efficacy of CO2 fractional laser treatment for hypertrophic scars and its impact on TGF-β_1 expression. Chinese Journal of Cosmetic Medicine, 2018, 27(8): 108-111. |
| [11] | Ding Fei, Shang Jingwen, Li Xiaoming. The impact of CO2 fractional laser combined with intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide on the quality of life of patients with hypertrophic scars and the incidence rate of adverse reactions. International Medicine & Health Guidance News, 2018, 24(3): 340-342. |
| [12] | WON Tae-ho, Chen Zongan, Chen Yahong, et al. Ultrasound drug delivery technology assisted CO2 fractional laser treatment for hypertrophic scars. Chinese Journal of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, 2022, 28(11): 658-661. |
| [13] | Fu Yu, Wei Yihua, Sun Jie. Observation of the therapeutic effect of scar itching softening cream on hypertrophic scars. Chinese Journal of Cosmetic Medicine, 2019, 22(24): 2377-2379. |
| [14] | Yuan Zhiming, Xing Hongli. Clinical observation of scar itching softening cream combined with elastic sleeves in the treatment of post-burn hypertrophic scars. Hebei Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2023, 33(8): 1179-1180. |
| [15] | Zhou Le, Zhou Bole, Wang Mingxin, et al. Clinical observation of scar itching softening cream on post-burn hypertrophic scars. Chinese Journal of Practical Medicine, 2022, 4(5): 153-154. |
| [16] | Zhou Xia, Wan Jun, Ran Dong. Determination of the content of paeonol in scar itching softening cream by HPLC. China Pharmacy, 2023(12): 930-931. |
We invite active, qualified and high profile scientists and researchers to join as Editorial Board Members.
Join UsScholars with a strong interest in reviewing are invited to join the reviewer panel to ensure the quality of the research to be published.
Join Us