Title:Efficacy of Topical Formulations in Healing of Caesarean Scars Using Non-Invasive Devices: A Controlled Trial
Volume: 8
Author(s): Alia Abdullah, Rawya Al Kredly and Mohamed Baguneid*
Affiliation:
- Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon, Chair of Surgical Institute, SEHA, Al Ain Hospital, Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates. SEHA, Al Ain Hospital, P.O.Box 1006, Abu Dhabi Emirate,United Arab Emirates
Keywords:
Scar treatment, MEBO-Scar ointment, patient reported outcomes, dermalab, manchester scar scale, wound healing
Abstract: Background: Despite the availability of many topical formulations for scar treatment,
an objective evaluation of their effectiveness is lacking.
Objective: To assess the physiological, structural, and mechanical parameters of scar healing by a
scar ointment (MEBO-Scar).
Methods: 45 patients from the Department of Obstetrics at Al Ain Hospital, UAE, with recently acquired
Pfannenstiel scars were recruited into this prospective, open-label, controlled study. Scar
ointment was applied to a lateral third of the scar; positive control (silicone gel based topical) to
the other lateral third; the middle third was left untreated (negative control). The scars were evaluated
at 4 time points up to 12 weeks using non-invasive devices and a scar questionnaire.
Results: In comparison with silicone gel, there was a significant reduction in trans epithelial water
loss at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12 (p<0.001) and scar area at weeks 4, 8 and 12 (p<0.001) with scar ointment.
The skin elasticity at week 4 was significantly increased by scar ointment (p=0.007). By
week 12, gross colour mismatch of the scar was described by 9% patients with scar ointment (24%
with silicone gel, 42% with no treatment; p<0.001). There was a significant improvement in scar
texture with scar ointment by week 12 (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Scar ointment has beneficial effects on objective and subjective patient-reported parameters
of Pfannenstiel scars.
