Evaluation of botulinum toxin type A for treating post burn hypertrophic scars and keloid in children: An intra-patient randomized controlled study.

[BACKGROUND] Consequently, the management of post burn hypertrophic scars and keloid in children are a great challenge for the physicians, parents, and children themselves.

[PURPOSE OF THE STUDY] To assess the efficacy and safety of treating hypertrophic and keloid scars with botulinum toxins injections.

[PATIENTS AND METHODS] This is a randomized intra-patient comparative study was conducted on 15 children with post burn hypertrophic and keloid scars. Children were randomized to receive Intralesional injection of botulinum toxins on one part of the hypertrophic scar/keloid where the other part was left as a control. The assessment of clinical improvement was measured by the Vancouver scar scale (VSS) and by skin analysis camera system. Sessions were performed every month for 6 months.

[RESULTS] Clinical and statistical dramatic improvement in the vascularity, pliability, and height of the lesions which have been injected with neuronox. Evaluation of the lesions by the Antera camera has proven marked changes in the vascularity and height. There was no correlations between Vancouver score improvement and variables such as the age, sex, skin type, and duration and lesion type.

[CONCLUSIONS] The botulinum toxins proved its efficacy and safety in treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloid in children. It improved the associated itching and pain. Moreover it improves the pliability, erythema, and thickness of the scars.