Comparative study of efficacy of intense pulsed light versus Intralesional triamcinolone in the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are hyperproliferative response of dermal connective tissue to trauma. Their management remains a challenge for practitioners as there is still no universally accepted treatment, leading to recurrences which are frustrating for patients and clinicians alike. Hence, it becomes essential to determine a modality with highest efficacy, least recurrence and better patient compliance. To compare the therapeutic effectiveness of Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide versus Intense pulsed light for treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars. A single centre, cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 patients. Patients were randomly allocated in two groups, group one received Intralesional steroids ( ILS)-triamcinolone acetonide and group two was treated by Intense pulsed light(IPL).Both groups were accessed for improvement every 15 days until 5 sessions were complete. Both study groups showed significant changes after treatment. Patients treated with ILS showed greater reduction in height. IPL group showed significant reduction in vascularity . Pigmentary outcomes were more favourable with IPL, whereas with ILS hypopigmentation was noted as a common side effect. Both groups showed significant reduction in pliability. Both regimens showed excellent responses with minimum recurrence rates, indicating their high efficacy in management of keloids and hypertrophic scars.