Split-scar technique to assess the efficacy of Er:YAG laser with intralesional triamcinolone combination on post-burn...

For many burn survivors, the symptomatic burn scarring can limit the functionality and compromise the quality of life. Various modalities have been in use over the years to minimize the scar-related distress of the patients but none effective in totality. Due to availability of sparse data on efficacy of a most potent combination therapy, we used split-scar technique to compare Er:YAG and triamcinolone versus triamcinolone alone.

The study was a prospective, interventional, double blind, parallel, two-arm, randomized controlled trial including 34 patients from November 2022 to April 2024. Scars were divided into two halves using lottery system; one half was given Er:YAG laser along with intralesional triamcinolone (group A) while the other half was given Er:YAG laser alone (group B). Results were compared objectively by measuring the decrease in thickness and subjectively on UNC4P scar scale and patient satisfaction index.

In group A, 52.9 % (n = 18) achieved > 75 % reduction in thickness as compared to 26.5 % (n = 9) in group B (p < .05). UNC4P scar scale revealed better symptomatic relief in the scars of group A and the difference was found statistically significant for pruritus, paraesthesia, and pliability; and comparable for pain. Patient satisfaction index was also higher in group A.

A combination treatment of Er:YAG laser along with intralesional corticosteroid is more efficacious in improving the scar thickness and providing symptomatic relief, better safety profile and improved patient satisfaction--thereby establishing it as a better modality of treatment compared to laser monotherapy of scars.