Efficacy of Intralesional Injection of Botulinum Toxin in Treatment of Keloids

Abstract

Background: Keloid is generally accepted to be the result of prolonged and aberrant wound healing. Botulinum toxin injections are considered an efficient therapy for keloids. The current study evaluated the efficacy and safety of intralesional injection of botulinum toxin in treatment of keloids. Methods: This prospective interventional study was carried out on 20 patients presented with keloids. Patients were treated by intradermal injection at the periphery of lesions by botulinum toxin as 100 IU diluted by 2 ml normal saline (5 IU/ cm3). Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and Verbal Rating Scale (VRS) were used for the assessment of the therapeutic efficacy. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in all VSS and VRS parameters. Vast majority, 18 (90%) patients, were satisfied and 2 (10%) patient was not satisfied. There was non-significant correlation between the age of patients, duration of keloid nor size of keloid in relation to degree of improvement of VSS after treatment. There was positive significant correlation between VSS before treatment and degree of improvement of VSS after treatment. Conclusions: Intralesional injection of botulinum toxin was effective and safe therapeutic techniques in inhibiting keloids regarding the statistically significant improvement on comparing between before treatment and after the end of follow up period.