Korean J Dermatol.  2021 Aug;59(7):507-512.

Clinical Benefit of Early Laser Treatment of Scars in Children: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

• Lee J
• Shin DM
• Jang D
• Oh SJ
• Kim HJ
• Lee JH

Abstract

Background
Scars in children are highly concerning to most parents who usually seek prompt treatment for these lesions. However, compared with adults, children show a greater tendency to develop hypertrophic scars and a higher likelihood of scar widening with increasing age.
Objective
We investigated the role of laser treatment for scars in pediatric patients in view of the fact that this approach is challenging in this age group.
Methods
This retrospective study included patients aged ＜17 years who visited the Samsung Medical Center between 2013 and 2018 for scar treatment. Of the 28 children who visited the center during this time, 14 presented within 4 to 5 weeks from scar onset and received laser therapy and 14 presented after 4 to 5 weeks and received topical treatment. The Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale (SBSES) was used to assess scar formation.
Results
The mean initial SBSES scores were lower in the laser than in the topical group (1.93±0.92 vs. 2.71±0.83, p=0.0363). No intergroup difference was observed in SBSES scores upon treatment completion (4.50±0.94 vs. 4.21±1.19, p=0.4673). Multivariable analysis after adjustment for age, sex, and initial SBSES scores showed that the type (laser vs. topical) of treatment was not significantly associated with an SBSES score=5 or duration of treatment.
Conclusion
Laser intervention may be useful for scar therapy in children who present early and can receive prompt treatment before scar maturation; however, further studies are warranted to validate our results.

Keyword

Children; Laser therapy; Scar