Microneedling for Burn Hypertrophic Scars

Randomized Controlled Evaluator-blinded Trial of Microneedling for the Treatment of Hypertrophic Scars of Adult Burn Survivors and Patients With Severe Skin Disorders

Approximately 33 to 91% of severe burn victims will develop hypertrophic scars. Hypertrophic scars are defined as erythematous (red), raised and rigid scars that can cause pain and itching, among other things. They cause psychological distress and affect the quality of life of burn victims. Microneedling is a technique that uses an electrical device to create hundreds of microchannels that penetrate the skin layers. This study is interested in determining the effectiveness of microneedling in improving the pliability, thickness and erythema of hypertrophic scars. Each scar will receive up to 5 ACS-pen treatments followed by the application of cortisone (triamcinolone acetonide). Knowing that microneedling increases the absorption of products applied to the skin by about 80%, it is logical to think that creating these channels to the dermis and applying cortisone afterwards would have a beneficial effect on the hypertrophic scars of these patients.

Patients will receive microneedling once every six weeks for a maximum of five treatments

Inclusion Criteria:

• Any gender or race
• 16 years of age or older
• Have at least 2 HSc that meet the clinical criteria for HSc
• Provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with keloid scars
• Mature scar site
• A psychiatric condition or cognitive impairment that interferes with their ability to follow the treatment protocol
• Dermatological conditions (i.e. psoriasis, eczema, etc.) in the area of the evaluation site
• An allergy to ultrasound gel
• On anticoagulant medications
• Inability to understand English or French.