Abstract

Introduction: Keloids are abnormal fibrous tissue outgrowth that extends beyond the borders of the wound, whereas hypertrophic scars (HTS) are limited to the boundaries of the wound. Intralesional triamcinolone is the gold standard treatment for keloids and HTS. Intralesional verapamil is an emerging treatment modality. Our study objective is to compare the efficacy and safety of intralesional triamcinolone with intralesional verapamil in the treatment of Keloid and HTS. Methods: A total of 60 patients with Keloids and HTS were recruited in the study. They were randomized into two groups of 30 patients each. Group-A received intralesional triamcinolone 10mg/ml for a 2-6 cm scar and 20mg/ml for a 6-10cm scar. Group B received intralesional verapamil 1ml(2.5mg/ml) for a 2-6 cm scar and 5mg/ml for a 6-10cm scar. Patients were assessed at the baseline, every 3 weeks till the scar flattened or a maximum period of 6 months. Clinical assessment of the scar was based on the Vancouver scar scale. The mean decrease in the total score was calculated and photographed with a high-quality digital camera with consent. Results: Out of 60 patients, 34 (56.7%) males and 26(43.3%) females were enrolled. The mean age was 27.3+7.63 years and most of the patients were between 20-29 years. After the completion of the study, a 58.33% reduction in the baseline score was seen in the Triamcinolone group as compared to a 37.38% reduction in the verapamil group. The length of the scar did not change significantly with either drug. The rate of reduction of vascularity, pliability, height, and width of the scar with triamcinolone was faster than with verapamil. Adverse drug reactions were more with triamcinolone than with verapamil Conclusion: In comparison to intralesional triamcinolone, intralesional verapamil is less efficacious but because of fewer adverse effects and lower chances of recurrence intralesional verapamil can be considered a safe alternative in the treatment of Keloid and HTS.