Related Experiment Videos
Pilot study evaluating topical onion extract as treatment for postsurgical scars
1Department of Medical Specialities, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030-4095, USA.
Summary
Topical onion gel extract did not improve post-surgical scar appearance or symptoms. A petrolatum-based ointment was more effective for scar erythema and hydration.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Wound Healing
- Scar Management
Background:
- Post-surgical scars often present with erythema, raised texture, pruritus, and pain.
- Topical treatments aim to improve scar appearance and reduce symptoms.
- Topical onion gel extract (Allium cepa) is a novel scar treatment with limited published data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of topical onion gel extract for improving postsurgical scar appearance and symptoms.
- To compare onion gel extract outcomes against a topical emollient ointment.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen patients with Mohs surgery scars were enrolled.
- Participants applied either onion gel or emollient ointment thrice daily for one month post-suture removal.
- Scar evaluations included photographic documentation and visual analog scale questionnaires.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant improvement in scar erythema or pruritus was observed with topical onion gel extract.
- A statistically significant reduction in scar erythema was noted in patients using a petrolatum-based ointment.
- Onion gel extract showed no significant benefit over placebo for scar symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Scar hydration, achievable with petrolatum-based ointments, is crucial for wound healing.
- Topical onion gel extract demonstrated ineffectiveness in improving scar erythema and pruritus.