Scar Management: Keloid, Hypertrophic, Atrophic, and Acne Scars

Molecular Changes Underlying Hypertrophic Scarring Following Burns Involve Specific Deregulations at All Wound Healing Stages (Inflammation, Proliferation and Maturation)

Excessive connective tissue accumulation, a hallmark of hypertrophic scaring, results in progressive deterioration of the structure and function of organs. It can also be seen during tumor growth and other fibroproliferative disorders. These processes result from a wide spectrum of cross-talks between mesenchymal, epithelial and inflammatory/immune cells that have not yet been fully understood. In the present review, we aimed to describe the molecular features of fibroblasts and their interactions with immune and epithelial cells and extracellular matrix. We also compared different types of fibroblasts and their roles in skin repair and regeneration following burn injury. In summary, here we briefly review molecular changes underlying hypertrophic scarring following burns throughout all basic wound healing stages, i.e. during inflammation, proliferation and maturation.

Can a Cohesive Silicone Bandage Outperform an Adhesive Silicone Gel Sheet in the Treatment of Scars? A Randomized Comparative Trial

BACKGROUND

The use of topical silicone to treat scars is widespread, and various studies have demonstrated its efficacy to treat scars. A new form of silicone application is a cohesive elastic bandage. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of this bandage versus an adhesive silicone gel sheet on scar elasticity after burn injury.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients were enrolled in a randomized, prospective, single-blind, single-center, comparative, parallel-group study. The participants were assigned randomly to one of two treatment arms: one for treatment with a cohesive silicone bandage, and the other with a silicone gel sheet. The color was measured objectively using a Chromameter, and the Cutometer was used to assess vertical elasticity. For subjective assessment of the scars, the authors used the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale.

RESULTS

The results reveal that there were no significant differences between the two interventions for most subjective assessments and color measurements. However, the group that received treatment with the cohesive silicone bandage did seem to perform statistically significantly better than the silicone gel sheet group for vertical elasticity and the global score of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (observer scale). This was probably because of the unique microstructure of the bandage that ensured a standardized pressure together with uninterrupted contact with the skin.

CONCLUSIONS

An elastic cohesive silicone bandage seems to outperform silicone gel sheets for vertical elasticity when treating hypertrophic burn scars. The authors recommend including timing of application and duration of application in future studies.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, II.

A new CO2 laser technique for the treatment of pediatric hypertrophic burn scars: An observational study

Treatment of hypertrophic scars arising as a result of thermal burns in children is still a big problem. The results of the treatment are not satisfactory for patients and parents, and new methods of treatment are still investigated.We present the use of one of the most modern carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers (Lumenis Encore laser equipped with a Synergistic Coagulation and Ablation for Advanced Resurfacing module) in the treatment of hypertrophic scars in children after burns.From March to April of 2013, a group of 47 patients aged 6 to 16 years underwent 57 laser surgery treatments. The average time from accident was 7.5 years. The results of treatment were investigated in 114 areas. The assessed areas were divided into 2 groups: 9-cm area 1, where the thickness of the scar measured by physician was the lowest and 9-cm area 2, where the thickness of the scar was the biggest. The results were considered on the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) independently by the surgeon and by parents 1, 4, and 8 months after the procedure. In addition, ultrasound evaluation of the scar thickness before and after laser procedure was made.VSS total score improved in all areas assessed by both the physician and parents. The biggest change in total VSS score in area 1 in the evaluation of the investigator was obtained at follow-up after the 1st month of treatment (average 7.23 points before and 5.18 points after the 1st month after surgery-a difference of 2.05 points). Scar ratings by parents and the physician did not differ statistically (P < 0.05). In the ultrasound assessment, the improvement was statistically significant, more frequently for both minimum and maximum thickness of the scars (B-mode measures) (P < 0.05).The use of a CO2 laser in the treatment of hypertrophic scars in children is an effective and safe method. The use of a CO2 laser improves the appearance and morphology of scarring assessed using the VSS by both the parents and the physician. The treatment also reduced the thickness of scars evaluated by ultrasound.

Clinical and ultrasonographic correlation of acne scars

BACKGROUND

Consensus concerning nomenclature and classification of acne scars is lacking. Classification based solely on clinical examination represents an unmet need that could be improved with the use of objective, reproducible assessments.

OBJECTIVE

To assess clinical and ultrasound morphologic features in 41 patients with scars resulting from moderate to severe acne and to determine whether correlation exists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-one lesions clinically identified as boxcar, ice pick, rolling, hypertrophic, or keloidal were evaluated using high-frequency ultrasound (22 MHz).

RESULTS

Ultrasound results generally correlated with clinical appearance. Eight scars clinically classified as ice pick showed a typical boxcar morphology upon ultrasound examination. Ultrasound showed that ice pick and boxcar scars were the deepest, with 95.8% between 0.2 and 0.5 mm.

CONCLUSIONS

High-frequency ultrasound is a noninvasive technique that is useful in the evaluation and correct classification of acne scars. It represents an important adjunct to clinical examination, because it provides reliable objective and reproducible information useful to the selection of the best treatment option specifically customized to each individual patient's needs.

Quantification of scar margin in keloid different from atrophic scar by multiphoton microscopic imaging

Multiphoton microscopy (MPM) was applied to examine the marginal region at dermis of keloid compared with atrophic scar. High-resolution large-area image showed an obvious boundary at the scar margin and different morphological patterns of elastin and collagen on the two sides, further visualized by the focused three-dimensional images. Content alteration of elastin or collagen between the two sides of boundary was quantified to show significant difference between keloid and atrophic scar. Owing to the raised property of keloid with overproduced collagen on the scar side, the content alteration was positive for elastin and negative for collagen. On the contrary, the content alteration was negative for elastin and positive for collagen in the atrophic scar case due to the atrophic collagen on the scar side. It indicated that examination of the scar margin by MPM may lead a new way to discriminate different types of scars and better understand the scarring mechanisms.

Recombinant adenovirus-p21 attenuates proliferative responses associated with excessive scarring

Excessive cutaneous scarring is an important clinical disorder resulting in adverse tissue growth and function as well as undesirable cosmetic appearance. p21WAF-1/Cip-1 is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that blocks cell cycle progression and inhibits cell proliferation. We used a recombinant adenovirus containing the human p21WAF-1/Cip-1 cDNA (rAd-p21) to evaluate proliferative responses in skin models. In vitro dose-response studies using primary human dermal fibroblasts resulted in a dose-dependent expression of p21WAF-1/Cip-1 protein and a 3- to 80-fold reduction in cell proliferation as measured by 5-bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Further, rAd-p21 reduced type I procollagen production when compared to control virus. A rat polyvinyl alcohol sponge model was used to determine rAd-p21 effects on granulation tissue formation in vivo. Sponges pretreated with a granulation tissue stimulator, rAd-PDGF-B and subsequently rAd-p21 on a second injection, showed a p21WAF-1/Cip-1 specific dose-dependent decrease in percent granulation fill as the rAd-p21 dose increased (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry identified human p21WAF-1/Cip-1 expression in sponges treated with rAd-p21 5 days postinjection. Additionally, 5-bromodeoxyuridine and Ki67 staining in sponges treated with rAd-p21 showed a significant decrease in proliferation when compared to rAd-platelet-derived growth factor-B alone or vehicle control groups (p < 0.01). These data support the utility of p21WAF-1/Cip-1 in targeting hyperproliferative disorders of the skin.

Atrophic and a mixed pattern of acne scars improved with a 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser

BACKGROUND

Acne scar correction remains a challenge to the dermatologic surgeon. With nonablative laser resurfacing, this correction is imputed to dermal collagen remodeling and acne scar reorganization. Although atrophic acne scars tend to respond to laser treatment, the deeper ice pick and boxcar scars tend to be laser resistant.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the treatment of atrophic and a mixed pattern of facial acne scars, we evaluated a 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser. Twelve subjects with atrophic facial acne scars (N=6) or a combination of atrophic and pitted, sclerotic, or boxcar scars (N=6) received three laser treatments. Physician and patient acne scar ratings were performed at baseline and at 6 months after the last treatment. Acne scars were rated with a 10-point severity scale.

RESULTS

Mean acne scar improvement was 1.5 points on physician assessments (P=0.002) and 2.2 points on patient assessments (P=0.01). Acne scars were rated more severely by patients than by the physician at all intervals. There were no noted complications at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

The 1320-nm Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective nonablative modality for the improvement of atrophic and a mixed pattern of facial acne scars.