Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effect of two treatment approaches on keloids: fractional CO₂ laser combined with ³²P applicator, and fractional CO₂ laser combined with intralesional injection of compound betamethasone. Methods A total of 70 patients were divided into two groups: group A (n=36) treated with fractional CO₂ laser combined with ³²P applicator, and group B (n=34) treated with fractional CO₂ laser combined with intralesional injection of compound betamethasone. All patients received fractional CO₂ laser therapy first and then recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel. After the wound healed, patients in group A received ³²P applicator therapy, 0.4~0.8 MBQ/cm² for 96 hours; patients in group B received compound betamethasone injection therapy, once every month for 3 times. The clinical effect, symptoms, satisfaction and ratio of side effects between the two groups were compared. Results The cure rate and satisfaction in group A were, which were significantly higher than those in group B(χ²=5.884, t=2.193, P<0.05). The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores, pain scores, and itch scores were significantly improved in both groups after treatment (t=30.070, 14.797, 11.889; t=18.049, 10.016, 8.290, P<0.01); the above items in group A were significantly lower than those in group B after comprehensive intervention (t=5.861, 5.480, 3.069, P<0.01). Conclusion Fractional CO₂ laser combined with ³²P applicator is highly effective on keloids with satisfactory clinical results. However, the technique still needs improvement.

Key words: Keloid, Fractional laser, 32P applicator, Compound betamethasone, Recombinant human epidermal growth factor