Treatment of Keloids With Fractional Erbium Laser-Assisted 5-Fluorouracil Versus Laser-Assisted Corticosteroid

A Prospective Triple-Blinded Single-Center Study of Laser-Assisted 5-Fluorouracil Versus Laser-Assisted Corticosteroid Treatment for Keloids

This is a split-scar study with a target sample size of 20. There are two interventions: fractional erbium:YAG-assisted drug delivery of 5-fluorouracil and fractional erbium:YAG-assisted drug delivery of triamcinolone acetonide. Patients will undergo treatments in a series of 4 treatments at approximately 4 week ± 1 week intervals. Investigators will monitor for safety and continued benefit after the end of the interventional treatment.

Inclusion Criteria

1. Age 18-89
2. Has one large keloid scar or at least two similar but separate keloid scars
3. Keloid present for at least 1 year

Exclusion Criteria

1. Currently pregnant
2. Currently breastfeeding
3. Have taken oral retinoids within 6 months of study initiation
4. Has had keloid treatment within 1 month of study initiation
5. Has active infection at treatment site
6. Has active malignancy
7. Presence of pedunculated keloid(s) or keloid(s) that are judged to be best treated with surgical excision first
8. Hypertrophic scars
9. Known hypersensitivity to TAC or 5-FU
10. Chronic systemic corticosteroid or immunosuppressive medication use
11. Has intolerance to anesthesia
12. Has known connective tissue disease
13. Has known infectious disease