Objective evaluation of an occlusive overnight intensive patch containing onion extract and allantoin for hypertrophic scars.

BACKGROUND

Patients suffering from hypertrophic scars often describe esthetic, functional, and psychological impairments. While current guidelines for the treatment of pathologic scarring recommend the use of onion extract containing gels and sheets, hard evidence for its efficacy remains scarce due to inconsistent data. Onion extract and allantoin containing occlusive overnight intensive patches (OIP) were introduced as a recent option for noninvasive scar management. However, objective data demonstrating their efficacy are missing.

AIMS: This study is the first to objectively evaluate the benefit and safety of an OIP for hypertrophic scars using a three-dimensional imaging device and a standardized scar scale.

METHODS

Twelve patients with untreated, three to twelve months old hypertrophic scars received an OIP for 3 months. The assessment was performed using PRIMOS®pico , a three-dimensional imaging device and POSAS, a standardized scar questionnaire at baseline, one and 3 months after the last treatment.

RESULTS

Objective evaluation at three months follow-up (FU) showed a significant decrease in scar height of 28.8% (baseline mean: 2.08 ± 0.68 mm, three months FU mean: 1.48 ± 0.52 mm) and a reduction in scar volume of 31.9% (baseline mean: 454.33 ± 265.53 mm3, 3 months FU mean: 309.58 ± 224.28 mm3). Pain and pruritus subsided under treatment. There were no negative side effects.

CONCLUSION

Overnight intensive patches is a convenient, painless, safe, affordable and effective prevention and treatment option for hypertrophic scars. Treatment should be performed at least for 3 months for visible effects.