Topical clobetasol in conjunction with topical tretinoin is effective in preventing scar formation after superficial partial-thickness burn ulcers of the skin: A retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Deep erythema and inflammation after re-epithelialization of superficial wounds is a sign of scar formation. Corticosteroids may prevent scarring by suppression of inflammation and fibroblast activity. Tretinoin may increase the efficacy of corticosteroids in this setting. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of corticosteroids plus tretinoin for prevention of scars after superficial wounds. Methods: In a retrospective study of patients with superficial partial thickness thermal skin burn, we compared the patients who received clobetasol plus tretinoin after re-epithelialization with patients who did not receive any medication. Clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment was used twice daily with overnight occlusive dressing in conjunction with twice weekly topical tretinoin 0.05% cream. Results: Among 43 patients who had light pink or no erythema after re-epithelialization and consequently did not receive clobetasol + tretinoin, no scar was developed. Among patients who had deep erythema after re-epithelialization, rate of scar formation was significantly higher in 14 patients who did not receive clobetasol + tretinoin than in 21 patients who received clobetasol + tretinoin (64% and 19%, respectively; p = 0.01). Conclusion: Clobetasol + tretinoin can significantly decrease the incidence of scar formation in patients with inflammation after re-epithelialization of superficial wounds.

• Burn
• clobetasol
• corticosteroid
• scar
• skin
• tretinoin
• wound

Declaration of interest

A. T., P. M., H. A., S. M. T. and C. S. O. have no conflict to disclose.

Dr. Feldman is a speaker for Janssen and Taro. He is a consultant and speaker for Galderma, Stiefel/GlaxoSmithKline, Abbott Labs, Leo Pharma Inc. Dr. Feldman has received grants from Galderma, Janssen, Abbott Labs, Amgen, Stiefel/GlaxoSmithKline, Celgene and Anacor. He is a consultant for Amgen, Baxter, Caremark, Gerson Lehrman Group, Guidepoint Global, Hanall Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Kikaku, Lilly, Merck & Co. Inc., Merz Pharmaceuticals, Mylan, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Inc., Qurient, Suncare Research and Xenoport. He is on an advisory board for Pfizer Inc. Dr. Feldman is the founder and holds stock in Causa Research and holds stock and is majority owner in Medical Quality Enhancement Corporation. He receives Royalties from UpToDate and Xlibris.

Center for Dermatology Research was supported, in part, by an unrestricted educational grant from Galderma Laboratories, L.P.