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Papers of The 1st Japan Scar Workshop |
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13. Dye Laser Therapy for Keloids or Hypertrophic Scars
Higuchi H, Nasu W, Kobayashi S,
Department of Plastic Surgery, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
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In addition to an unsightly appearance, some patients who have keloids
or hypertrophic scars complain of itchiness and pain. Dye laser
irradiation therapy may be effective in relieving such conditions in
patients with keloids or hypertrophic scars. Eight patients who did not
respond to conservative treatments for 6 months or longer were treated
with dye laser therapy at 7 J/cm2 at intervals of 1 to 3 months. In
addition, an oral medication (tranilast ) was prescribed before and
after laser therapy. The symptoms (i.e. itchiness or pain) improved
after irradiation in all patients. In particular, pain was markedly
alleviated after therapy, and itching was substantially improved. Dye
laser therapy, which is indicated for the treatment of a hemangioma and
a telangiectasia, has recently been reported to also be effective
against keloids and hypertrophic scars. This method cannot improve the
appearance of the keloids and hypertrophic scars, but it is very
effective for relieving the pain and itchiness. This therapy appears to
be useful because this procedure may be performed in combination with
other treatments and is feasible in pregnant women and for any part of
the body. |
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