title: Topical treatments for hypertrophic scars.
abstract: Hypertrophic scars represent an abnormal, exaggerated healing response after skin injury. In addition to cosmetic concern, scars may cause pain, pruritus, contractures, and other functional impairments. Therapeutic modalities include topical medications, intralesional corticosteroids, laser therapy, and cryosurgery. Topical therapies, in particular, have become increasingly popular because of their ease of use, comfort, noninvasiveness, and relatively low cost. This review will discuss the properties and effectiveness of these agents, including pressure therapy, silicone gel sheeting and ointment, polyurethane dressing, onion extract, imiquimod 5% cream, and vitamins A and E in the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars.
authors.affiliation: Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Joanna M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Zurada
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kriegel
authors.forename: Ira C
authors.initials: IC
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001458:Bandages; D001684:Biological Dressings; D017439:Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D019697:Onions; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011140:Polyurethanes; D011312:Pressure; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D020034:Silicone Gels / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000634:Aminoquinolines; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011140:Polyurethanes; D020034:Silicone Gels; D014801:Vitamin A; D014810:Vitamin E; D000077271:Imiquimod