The efficacy of onion extract in the management of subsequent abdominal hypertrophic scar formation.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Development of postoperative scars is often a problem. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of gel containing Allium cepa extract, allantoin and heparin (Contractubex, Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany) in reducing scarring after a caesarean section by comparing it with a control group, and also intra-individually, using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). METHOD: A total of 120 patients who underwent a second elective caesarean delivery and who presented with hypertrophic scar development after their first caesarean section were included in the study. A scar revision was performed for all patients during the second caesarean operation. Patients in the study group (n=60) were advised to apply the topical scar gel postoperatively for a period of 6 months. The control group (n=60) received no treatment. RESULTS: Significant reductions were observed in the vascularity, pigmentation and height subgroups of the VSS for those in the group who continued the treatment to 24 weeks. An intra-individual analysis showed that the gel effectively reduced scarring after the second caesarean section. CONCLUSION: The prophylactic use of the gel to reduce scar development offers better results for vascularity, pigmentation and height subscales of the VSS after surgical removal of the primary caesarean scar during the second caesarean section. The results were better both intra-individually, and also in comparison with the control group and support the use of a gel containing Allium cepa extract, allantoin and heparin to reduce scarring after a caesarean section.