The efficacy of aloe vera gel in postprocedural wound care after fractional 1,550 nm erbium-doped fiber laser

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate clinical efficacy and the safety of aloe vera gel in postprocedural wound care after fractional 1,550 nm erbium-doped fiber laser treatment. Material and Method: Thirty Thai participants with mild to moderate, photoaging skin, categorized by Glogau’s classification were enrolled. All participants were treated with fractional 1,550 nm erbium-doped fiber laser. After laser treatment, the participants randomly assigned to apply one side with aloe vera gel and contralateral side with placebo. Clinical erythema score, erythema index, melanin index by Mexameter, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by Tewameter, and skin capacitance by Corneometer were assessed. The daily self-assessment report for wound recovery and global satisfaction score for treatment were assessed by participants. The present study was followed for five visits, at the baseline, immediately after laser, at day 3, day 7, and day 14. Results: Aloe vera group had significantly better improvement for clinical erythema score than the placebo at day 3 and day 7 after laser (p-value = 0.005 and 0.011, respectively). Aloe vera group had also significantly lower TEWL than the placebo group at day 7 and day 14 after laser (p-value = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively). Additionally, the aloe vera group had significantly better global satisfaction score than the placebo group at day 7 and day 14 after laser (p-value = 0.05 and 0.05, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups for erythema index, melanin index, and skin capacitance. Median duration of wound recovery was similar between the two groups (6 days vs. 7 days, p = 0.11). Conclusion: Aloe vera gel for postprocedural wound care after fractional 1,550 nm erbium-doped fiber laser treatment is effective for the reduction of skin redness and the preservation of TEWL or skin barrier function with better global satisfaction score. Aloe vera gel could be considered as an alternative treatment. © 2018, Medical Association of Thailand. All rights reserved.