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Treatment of inflamed hypertrophic scars using intralesional 5-FU
1University of California, San Diego, USA.
Background:
Hypertrophic scars and keloids may complicate wound healing secondary to trauma or surgery. A variety of treatment regimens have been used with a range of success.
Objective:
The purpose of this paper is to report the use of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) intralesionally in treatment of inflamed hypertrophic scars, both as an individual agent as well as in conjunction with low-dose intralesional corticosteroids plus pulsed dye laser therapy.
Methods:
The author's 9-year experience in the use of this agent in treating hypertrophic scars is summarized, and case reports are used to demonstrate its efficacy at 50 mg/cc as well as mixed with Kenalog (1 mg/cc) plus concomitant use of the pulsed dye laser.
Results:
Frequent initial injections (once to thrice weekly) were found to be more efficacious with decreasing frequency (weekly to monthly) during a period of stabilization and resolution of the scars. The combination of 5-FU and Kenalog appeared to be more effective and less painful. The addition of the pulsed dye laser treatments simultaneous with injection therapy was found to be most effective.
Conclusion:
The use of 5-FU intralesionally for treatment of hypertrophic scars appears to be both effective and safe. Further study is warranted.