Tan, C.W.X., Tan, W.D., Srivastava, R. et al. Dissolving Triamcinolone-Embedded Microneedles for the Treatment of Keloids: A Single-Blinded Intra-Individual Controlled Clinical Trial. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 9, 601–611 (2019) doi:10.1007/s13555-019-00316-3
Abstract:
Introduction:
Keloids are a prevalent chronic skin disorder with significant psychosocial morbidity. Intralesional corticosteroid injections are the first-line treatment but are painful and require repeated injections by medical professionals. Dissolving microneedles are a novel method of cutaneous drug delivery that induces minimal/no pain and can be self-administered. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of triamcinolone-embedded dissolving microneedles in treatment of keloids.
Methods:
This was a single-blind, intra-individual controlled two-phase clinical trial of 8-week duration each. Two keloids per subject were selected for (1) once-daily 2-min application with microneedles for 4 weeks, followed by no treatment for the next 4 weeks, or (2) non-intervention as control. Primary outcome was change in keloid volume as assessed by a high-resolution 3D scanner.
Results:
There was significant reduction in keloid volume compared with controls after 4 weeks of treatment. This reduction was greater with a higher dosage of triamcinolone used.
Conclusions:
Once-daily application of dissolving triamcinolone-embedded microneedles significantly reduced the volume of keloids. The treatment was safe, can be self-administered and can serve as an alternative for patients unsuitable for conventional treatments.