title: Imiquimod 5% cream for the prevention of recurrence after excision of presternal keloids.
abstract: Imiquimod 5% cream has been found to be effective and safe in preventing recurrence of keloids on earlobes after excision. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of imiquimod 5% cream in preventing the recurrence of presternal keloids after excision (3 keloids in 2 patients). After excision with radiofrequency, imiquimod 5% cream was applied once daily at bedtime for 8 weeks, and the defect was left to heal by secondary intention. In all the treated keloids, the defect healed in 6-8 weeks, and no recurrence was seen while on imiquimod application; however, all keloids completely recurred within 4 weeks of stopping imiquimod. Side effects were mild and acceptable in the form of burning and pain. Imiquimod did exert an antifibrotic action but it was short-lived.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Amit Kumar
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Malhotra
authors.forename: Somesh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Binod K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Khaitan
authors.forename: Vinod K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Sharma
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007627:Keloid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D009824:Ointments; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013249:Sternum; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000634:Aminoquinolines; D009824:Ointments; D000077271:Imiquimod