Efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. A systematic review

Abstract

Background: Hypertrophic scars and keloids are excessive wound-healing processes that affect patients’ function and quality of life. Botulinum toxin type A is a bacterial neurotoxin that in recent years has played an increasing part in research on and treatment of these types of scars. <p>

<p>Material and methods: Embase, MEDLINE and Web of Science were searched for controlled trials comparing botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) to placebo or another treatment method for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tool for assessment of risk of bias for randomized controlled trials. <p>

<p>Results: Eight studies were included in the review. They compared BTX-A to erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet fractional laser (Er:YAG), triamcinolone acetonide (TAC), 5- fluorouracil (5-FU), platelet rich plasma (PRP), and normal saline (NS), or a combination of BTX-A and the mentioned treatment methods. The study samples ranged from 10 to 60 included patients, where some studies included two or more scars in one patient, or treated the different sides of one scar with different treatment methods. <p>

<p>Conclusion: Despite unclear results regarding efficacy, we suggest that BTX-A has a role in the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids due to few side effects.