Use of cryotherapy in the treatment of keloids.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Cryotherapy is an effective, low-risk approach to keloid treatment associated with a low rate of recurrence.
Clinica Dermatologica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
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Rusciani
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Rossi
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Bono
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001284:Atrophy / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D003452:Cryosurgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007627:Keloid / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing