Prevention and treatment of keloids with intralesional verapamil.

BACKGROUND: The current treatment of keloids is based on surgery, medical therapy and physical treatment. The optimal treatment remains undefined.

OBJECTIVE: This clinical study determines the effectiveness of verapamil hydrochloride on the prevention and treatment of keloids.

METHODS: Two groups of patients with keloids were divided according to lesion site and age. The first group was treated by perilesional surgical excision of keloids and topical silicone, combined with adjuvant treatment of intralesional 2.5 mg/ml verapamil hydrochloride injections administered at timed intervals. The second group served as control, receiving the same treatment except the verapamil hydrochloride.

RESULTS: A periodical examination to check specific clinical parameters and an 18-month follow-up determined that keloids were cured in 54% of the cases in the first group, compared to 18% in the second group. Moreover, in the remaining 36% of patients in the first group in whom keloids recurred, there was an improvement in size and above all in consistence.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that verapamil hydrochloride is an effective tool for the prevention and therapy of keloids.