A new study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology evaluated the efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) as a monotherapy for hypertrophic scar treatment as compared to cryotherapy.

In this clinical and histopathological study, 28 patients with hypertrophic scars were enrolled, who were randomized into two groups – group I patients who cryotherapy; and group II patients who received IPL. All patients received treatments for a total of six sessions or until resolution of the lesion—whichever occurred earlier.

The results revealed a significant decrease in the scar height, while the scar color and pliability showed a significant improvement in group I. However, no significant changes were detected in group II, except in scar pliability. Vancouver scar scale (VSS) mean decreased by -53.7% in group I versus -11.5% decrease in group II. On the other hand, group I exhibited a markedly increased epidermal thickness and decreased dermal and collagen bundle thickness, whereas group II showed insignificant histopathological changes. Moreover, group I elicited a statistically significant clinical and histopathological improvement compared to group II, though with more complications.

From the findings, it was concluded that cryotherapy is more effective than IPL in the treatment of hypertrophic scars, both on clinical and histopathological levels, yet with more complications.

Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021 Feb 2. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13971.