Journal of Clinical & Experimental Dermatology Research
Open Access
ISSN: 2155-9554
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2155-9554
+44 1478 350008
Arash Taheri
Wake Forest School of Medicine, USA
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Clin Exp Dermatol Res
Statement of the Problem: Superficial partial thickness wounds such as burns only need re-epithelialization to heal without a scar. However, after re-epithelialization, inflammation in the dermis may contribute to changes in skin architecture and scarring. Suppression of inflammation and fibroblast activation immediately after re-epithelialization may prevent scar formation. Methodology: To assess the available data on use of corticosteroids for prevention of scars, we performed a review of literature seeking clinical studies using corticosteroids for scar prevention. Findings: Corticosteroids have been used to prevent recurrence after keloid or hypertrophic scar excision with variable success. We did not find any randomized trial of corticosteroids for the prevention of scar; however, a recent case series, comparing patients who received clobetasol+tretinoin with patients who did not receive any medication after re-epithelialization of superficial wounds, showed that the regimen can reduce the risk of hypertrophic scars to one third without any major complication. This study also showed that hypertrophic scars occur after superficial wounds only in patient who have deep erythema after re-epithelialization. Conclusion & Significance: Hypertrophic scars are one of the major complications of laser surgeries and a common morbidity after burns. Topical highly-potent corticosteroids�±tretinoin may decrease the incidence of scar formation in patients with superficial wounds. Effective use of corticosteroids just after re-epithelialization is recommended, if there is significant erythema and inflammation at the site.
Email: ataheri@wakehealth.edu