Abstract
Introduction
Hypertrophic scarring after burn injury can be extremely painful, cause profound itching, and affect the way patients view themselves and how the outside world perceives them. We have utilized laser therapy as a modality for scar modulation for our patients since 2013. In 2014, we initiated and completed a prospective IRB approved study to evaluate the outcome of scars treated with fractional CO2 laser therapy (FLT) utilizing objective and subjective tools. Recently, we have completed a prospective study evaluating the use of pulse dye laser (PDL) therapy and the impact on post-burn pruritis. In reviewing the outcomes from these two studies, we have developed an evidence-based laser therapy algorithm for burn scar management.
Methods
The FLT study entailed a series of three CO2 laser treatments minimally 4–6 weeks apart with scar measurements and POSAS form completion performed prior to each laser treatment and four weeks after the last FLT. Scar measurements that included color, pliability, and scar thickness; and completion of the POSAS form were obtained prior to each laser therapy session and four weeks after the third laser treatment. The measurements of color, pliability, and scar thickness were measured with the Colorimeter, Cutometer, and ultrasound. The PDL study utilized the 5-D Itch scale to evaluate post-burn pruritis. A baseline measurement was obtained prior to any laser treatments. Each patient underwent two PDL sessions and a 5-D itch scale was completed four to six weeks after the second PDL session. The baseline measurement was then compared to the final 5-D itch scale measurement.
Results
Data from the FLT study is in Table 1 and shows that there were statistically significant improvements in the Patient and Observer POSAS scores, patient rated Itch score, scar thickness, and measured skin density. Changes to patient rated scar pain, scar color, and pliability were noted but were not of statistical significance. Data from the PDL study is in Table 2 and shows a statistically significant decrease in the treated patients’ post-burn pruritis.
Conclusions
In reviewing the outcomes of these two studies, we have developed an algorithm based on our studies. All of our patients undergoing laser therapy receive two PDL sessions that are four to six weeks apart followed by 3 FLT sessions. The use of both PDL and FLT decreases post-burn pruritis, decreases scar thickness, decreases pain, and increases patient satisfaction as shown in our research.
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