Carbon Dioxide Leaser For The Treatment Of Keloids

Abstract

Keloids are difficult to treat medically or surgically. Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is considered to be a better therapeutic option due to less chances of recurrence with this modality. Fourteen patients, 4 males and 10 females, between 9 and 36 years of age having keloids for 1 to 10 years were included in this study. The lesions were present on chest, ear lobes, nape of neck, forearm, arm and shoulder. CO2 laser with a power setting of 10 to 20 watts was used in continuous mode to vaporize/excise the lesions. The patients were followed up at the end of last week, 2nd week and then every 4 weeks for 3 months to evaluate the response to treatment. Twelve patients followed up regularly and completed this study. Six patients with keliods on chest had 50 to 70% response. Remaining 6 patients with keliods on chest had 50 to 70% response. Remaining 6 patients with lesions on the ear lobes (3), showed 50 to 90% response. Nape of neck (1), shoulder, arm and forearm (2) lesions had 50 to 90% response. In all, except one patient the healing started by 4 weeks and complete healing of the treatment area occurred within 8 weeks. Four patients with poor response to CO2 laser alone were given in addition intralesional triaminolone acetonide 40mg/ml, which resulted in a better response in these patients. One patient had depigmentation of the treated area. There were no side effects in other patients. We therefore conclude that CO2 laser is a good therapeutic modality for the treatment of keloids: however recurrence on long term follow up needs to be observed.