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Use of cryotherapy in the treatment of keloids
1Clinica Dermatologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
Background:
Numerous approaches are used to treat keloids, but none is ideal for all scars and recurrence after treatment is frequent.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cryotherapy for treatment of these scars.
Methods:
Sixty-five lesions of various sizes and ages were treated with a hand-held liquid nitrogen spray unit; freeze times and number of sessions varied. Scar volume was measured before and after treatment.
Results:
Complete flattening was achieved in 48 scars (73%), most of which were less than 2 years old. Unacceptable responses were seen in six scars. No recurrence was seen during follow-ups ranging from 17 to 42 months. Side effects were limited to hypopigmentation and slight to moderate atrophy in three cases.
Conclusion:
Cryotherapy is an effective, low-risk approach to keloid treatment associated with a low rate of recurrence.