Treatment of External Ear Keloids with the Application of Imiquimod 5% Cream after a Parallel Shave Excision.
- Author:
Tae Yoon KIM
1
;
Dong Hyun KIM
;
Moon Soo YOON
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea. msyoon@unitel.co.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Imiquimod;
Keloid;
Shave excision
- MeSH:
Aminoquinolines;
Burns;
Ear, External;
Erythema;
Fibroblasts;
Follow-Up Studies;
Humans;
Hyperpigmentation;
Keloid;
Pruritus;
Recurrence
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2009;47(10):1120-1126
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Keloids are slow-growing neoplasms that are characterized by a benign proliferation of fibroblasts in the setting of an altered cytokine profile. The traditional treatment modalities for external ear keloids are often associated with high recurrence rates. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of applying imiquimod 5% cream after parallel shave excision for the treatment of external ear keloids. METHODS: Twenty-two keloids from 19 patients were treated with parallel shave excision and this was followed by daily application of imiquimod 5% cream for 8 weeks. The patients were examined every 2 weeks for up to 24 weeks for recurrence of the keloids and any side effects. RESULTS: At the end of the 24-week follow-up period, 15 keloids (68.2%) remained recurrence free. Seven of these have remained recurrence free for a period ranging from 29 to 131 weeks. The common local side effects were burning (59.1%), pain (36.4%) and itching (27.3%), but there were no severe systemic side effects. Most of the patients experienced erythema (90.9%) and crust (77.3%) at the application sites and 3 patients (13.6%) reported transient hyperpigmentation on the surrounding areas. CONCLUSION: The application of imiquimod 5% cream after parallel shave excision can be an effective treatment modality for external ear keloids with mild and acceptable side effects.
