A comparative study of various modalities in the treatment of keloids

Treatment of keloids is a challenge as a result of paucity of effective treatment modalities, significant side effects, and their recurrent nature. In this study, various treatment modalities were compared to search for a treatment option with maximum efficacy and minimum side effects.

One hundred patients were recruited into five treatment groups of 20 patients in each. Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide with hyaluronidase, intralesional verapamil hydrochloride, intralesional radiofrequency, and intralesional radiofrequency with triamcinolone acetonide were the different modalities received. The treatment in groups 1, 2, and 3 were given at 3-week intervals for 8 times or till complete flattening, whichever was earlier. In groups 4 and 5, treatment was given at six weekly intervals for 4 times or till complete flattening. For statistical comparison, all patients were followed up at three weekly intervals.

In total, 16, 16, 15, 17, and 16 patients completed the study in groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Treatment modalities in groups 1, 2, and 5 were more or less equally efficacious with clearance rate of 75, 68.75, and 75% respectively, whereas groups 3 and 4 had clearance rate of 0 and 11.76%, respectively (P value <0.01, Chi-square test).

Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide with hyaluronidase, and intralesional radiofrequency with triamcinolone acetonide are effective modalities for the treatment of keloids. However, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide with hyaluronidase fares better than other two as far as safety is concerned with least side effects.