[Formation and treatment of pathologic scars--clinical and micromorphologic investigations (author's transl)]

The results of treatment with Calmurid and Calmurid-HC in patients with hypertrophic scars and keloids of various causes are reported. Histochemical and ultrastructural investigations were performed in individual cases before and after treatment. The following results were found: 1. In the context of keloid prophylaxis and scar care, application of Calmurid and Calmurid-HC has proved very effective. The results of treating hypertrophic scars with urea preparations are also to be evaluated optimistically. 2. The local treatment with Calmurid or Calmurid-HC generally does not have a substantial influence on cosmetically disturbing keloids. However, the skin becomes smoother, more elastic and more resistant under Calmurid or Calmurid-HC therapy; a reduction in the size of the keloid mass is observed only in individual cases. 3. In short, the results are consistent with those which can be obtained with other external preparations which are specially recommended for treatment of scars and keloids. Success of treatment is especially dependent on the age of the lesion. 4. Disturbances in glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen metabolism as well as enzyme defects are the most significant factors in the pathogenesis of pathological scars. The histochemical and electron microscopic studies reveal (of course with the necessary caution in the interpretation) that Calmurid and Calmurid-HC show an effect on distribution of GAG and on the enzyme pattern of the fibroblasts. The preparations may possibly affect the disturbed processes of collagen and GAG synthesis. The reduction of the mast cells in keloids and hypertrophic scars under Calmurid treatment is noteworthy.