Affiliation:
1. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery & Burns Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College Sichuan Nanchong China
2. Dermatology Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College Sichuan Nanchong China
3. Department of Vascular Surgery Dazhou Sichuan Nanchong China
4. Genetics and Prenatal Diagnosis Center Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College Sichuan Nanchong China
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundBleomycin, originally an antitumor drug, was explored as a pathological scar treatment in the mid‐1990s. However, its efficacy and safety profile varies among individuals.AimsThis study aimed to assess topical bleomycin's efficacy and safety in treating hypertrophic scars and keloids.MethodsWe reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) published in English, comparing intralesional bleomycin to placebos or common intralesional scar treatments. Primary outcomes included percentage change in scar improvement, pigmentation, recurrence, atrophy, pain, telangiectasia, ulceration, patient self‐assessment, and observer assessment (>50%).ResultsSix trials met the criteria. Bleomycin significantly improved scar reduction compared to triamcinolone (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in pigmentation (p = 0.05) and recurrence (p = 0.21) compared to other treatments. In terms of safety, bleomycin caused less skin atrophy (p < 0.01) and telangiectasia (p < 0.01) but more pain (p = 0.03) than other treatments.ConclusionsBleomycin was more effective than TAC, 5‐FU, or TAC combined with 5‐FU for treating keloids and hypertrophic scars with lower skin atrophy and telangiectasia risks. However, it may cause more pain than 5‐FU or TAC. Further comprehensive studies, including RCTs, are required for objective analysis.