Pilot study evaluating topical onion extract as treatment for postsurgical scars

BACKGROUND. post surgical scars can be erythematous, raised, pruritic and painful. Numerous modalities are available to improve the appearance and symptomatology of these scars. A topical onion gel extract is the newest in the armamentarium of scar treatments. The active ingredient in this gel is allium cepa. Published studies evaluating the usefulness of this gel in the treatment of scars are not available. OBJECTIVE. TO evaluate the effectiveness of topical onion gel extract in improving the appearance and symptomatology of postsurgical scars and to compare the results of its use to those of a topical emollient ointment. METHODS. Seventeen patients with surgical scars resulting from Mohs surgery were assigned to 1 of 2 groups on the day of suture removal. Each group applied a designated topical product 3 times a day for 1 month. Photographic documentation and questionnaires using a visual analog scale were completed for each scar enrolled in the study. RESULTS. Using the Fischer's exact test, no statistically significant difference between pre- and posttreatment evaluations of scar erythema and pruritus in patients using topical onion extract gel was found. A statistically significant reduction in scar erythema was found in patients using a petrolatum based ointment. CONCLUSIONS. Scar hydration is an important factor in wound healing and can be achieved with topical petrolatum-based ointment. Topical onion gel extract was ineffective in improving scar erythema and pruritus in our patients.