Burns Scarring Clinical Trial
Official title:
Carbon Dioxide Laser Treatment in Burn-related Scarring: A Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial
This study evaluates the effect effect of ablative fractional CO2 laser (AFCO2L) on burns scar appearance and dermal architecture at 6 weeks and up to 3-years post-treatment. Half of the scar will receive AFCO2L and half the scar will receive standard care.
Ablative fractional CO2 laser (AFCO2L) is emerging as a promising scar treatment for burns
patients. Fractionated delivery of CO2 laser treatment leaved columns of undamaged skin to
quickly re-epithelialize and has reduced the previously higher risk profile of unfractionated
ablative laser delivery in terms of permanent pigmentation changes, higher rates of infection
and scarring. The exact mechanisms of CO2 laser action are still unclear, but likely involve
a combination of macroscopic ablative fenestration, microscopic thermal collagen alteration
and molecular profile alterations.
Use of AFCO2L for scar management is increasing amongst burn clinicians; consensus opinion
and several large series have demonstrated safe and effective result, however robust
randomised controlled evidence for the efficacy of CO2 laser on burns scarring is still
lacking.
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