Topical Insulin and Timolol Combined with EGF Accelerate Healing and Minimize Pathologic Scarring in Deep Partial-Thickness Burns: A Retrospective Single Arm Cohort Study
- Author:
Seunghyun HWANG
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- From:Journal of Korean Burn Society 2025;28(2):15-20
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:Deep partial-thickness burns are prone to delayed healing and hypertrophic scarring. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) expedites re-epithelialization, yet further improvements are needed. This study examines whether combining topical insulin and timolol with EGF using alginate dressing and ofloxacin ointment can promote healing and minimize scarring.M ethods: Thirty-two adults with deep partial-thickness burns of the limbs were retrospectively reviewed. Topical insulin, timolol, and EGF ointment were applied every 48 hours, delivered with alginate dressing; ofloxacin ointment was used for infection prophylaxis. Clinical outcomes included days to full epithelialization, infection, surgical intervention, and scar status at 12 weeks. Representative wound photographs were obtained at initial, 5–8 days, and after epithelialization for each major burn etiology.
Results:Average age was 41 years; injuries included scald (n=15), steam (n=3), contact (n=11), and flame burn (n=3). Mean epithelialization was 12.2±2.4 days. No patient developed infection or required skin graft. Only 2 patients (slowly healing low-temperature contact burns) developed hypertrophic (not keloid) scars by 12 weeks; all others healed with minimal or imperceptible scarring.
Conclusion:The protocol of topical insulin and timolol with EGF achieved rapid wound closure and, except for rare, mild hypertrophic scarring in slow-healing deep contact burns, yielded excellent scar outcomes. Alginate and ofloxacin provided supportive benefits in risk reduction and agent delivery.
