The efficacy of 5% trichloroacetic acid cream in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic disease in Iran. Based on the results of our previous study, this study was designed as a pilot trial to evaluate the effect of 5% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) cream in the treatment of leishmaniasis lesions.

METHODS:

16 patients with positive smear for leishmaniasis were randomly selected for treatment with 5% TCA cream, twice a day for 8 weeks or up to complete healing of the lesions. Scar size was measured 6 months after complete epithelization of the lesions.

RESULTS:

Mean area of the lesions was 38.81+ 81.9 mm(2) before treatment and 3.6 + 9.1 mm(2) at 6 month follow up period. Complete cure was achieved in 1 patient (6.3%) at week 2, 13 patients (86.7%) at week 7, and in all patients at week 8. There was no serious adverse reaction in none of the patients.

CONCLUSION:

Decreasing the scar size and the low cost are two promising aspects in introducing 5% TCA cream as a potential alternative for intralesional glucantime in the treatment of CL. Considering the self limiting nature of the disease, this effect should be assessed further through a double blind randomized controlled trial.

• Authors: Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali, Jaffary Fariba, Haftbaradaran Elaheh, Nilforoushzadeh Ali
• Journal: The Journal of dermatological treatment (J Dermatolog Treat) Vol. 23 Issue 2 Pg. 136-9 (Apr 2012) ISSN: 1471-1753 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 21034291 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Caustics
• Trichloroacetic Acid

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Caustics (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Cicatrix (etiology, pathology, therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Leishmania major
• Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous (complications, parasitology, pathology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Trichloroacetic Acid (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Wound Healing
• Young Adult