Laser induced wounds and scarring modified by antiinflammatory drugs: a murine model

Scarring is a well-known side effect to cutaneous laser treatment. Therefore we investigated if wounds and scarring could be decreased by pharmacological interference in the acute inflammatory reaction following laser therapy. A copper vapor laser operating at 578 nm was used at three different intensities and doses. The antiinflammatory drugs methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg/24 h) and indomethacin (2 mg/kg/24 h) were administered through the drinking water. The laser induced wounds were evaluated daily and histologic and biochemical analyses were used to estimate scarring. The administration of antiinflammatory drugs resulted at some laser intensities in increased scores of maximum wound area, healing time, cumulated wound area, fibrosis, hydroxyproline, and hydroxylysine, being mostly pronounced for indomethacin at 0.8 W/spot. The maximum wound area and the wound healing time could be used as a predictor of scarring. A dose response was shown between the laser intensities and the mentioned parameters. We recommend carefulness in the laser treatment of patients receiving indomethacin and disrecommend use of the drug in the prophylaxis against laser induced scarring.