Comparison of intralesional verapamil versus intralesional corticosteroids in treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Keloids and hypertrophic scars are due to overgrowth of dermal collagen following trauma to the skin that usually cause major physical, psychological and cosmetic problems. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, with a paired design, 50 patients with 2 or more keloids were included. In the control group (50 lesions), intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg/mL) was injected at three-week intervals for a total of 18 weeks. In the other group (50 lesions), lesions were treated by verapamil (2.5 mg/mL) with the same therapeutic sessions. Scar evaluation at each stage and at the end of 3 months follow up was done by serial photographic records as well as by Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Results: Mean zero VSS scores were achieved with only triamcinolone in respect of scar height (week 15th) and pliability (week 15th). No therapeutic event (parameter=0) or significant improvement was seen in verapamil group. Conclusion: Our results did not support verapamil's capability in treatment of keloid nor hypertrophic scars. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.