Open-label nonrandomized left-right comparison of imiquimod 5% ointment and timolol maleate 0.5% eye drops in the treatment of proliferating superficial infantile hemangioma.

BACKGROUND

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common childhood tumors.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aimed to compare the efficacy and side effects of imiquimod and timolol maleate for the treatment of proliferating superficial IHs.

METHODS

A total of 54 patients with superficial IHs were enrolled in this study. Each lesion was evenly divided into two parts. One part was treated with 5% imiquimod cream once every other day, and the other part was smeared with 0.5% timolol maleate eye drops thrice daily. After 16 weeks of treatment, the thickness, color and size of each lesion were measured, and the side effects were recorded.

RESULTS

The efficacy rates for imiquimod and timolol maleate were 81.4 and 88.9%, respectively, but the difference between treatments was not significant. However, timolol maleate showed better effects for color involution, onset time and side effects than imiquimod.

CONCLUSION

Timolol maleate might be the first choice for the topical treatment of superficial IHs.