The Effects of Aloe Vera Cream on the Alar Scar in Rhinoplasty, A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

Introduction:Many studies have been done on the use of aloe vera in wound healing, but fewer studies were done on the influence of this material on the reduction of the alar scar. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of a newly made aloe vera cream on alar wound healing after rhinoplasty.Materials and Methods:This was a randomized, double-arm, parallel-group, double-blind controlled trial and was done from June ۲۰۲۱ to February ۲۰۲۲.  External wedge resection was done for all patients. The patients were randomly assigned to receive aloe vera cream (n=۳۱) (intervention group) or Face Doux cream (comparison group) (n = ۲۹). A pharmacist prepared the aloe vera cream. The primary outcome measure was the wound scar status which was assessed by two Questionnaires, including the mean Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) and Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). Randomization and Blinding were done.Results:The mean PSAQ was significantly lower in group A after two weeks (۲۶.۹ versus ۳۱.۵, P<۰.۰۰۱), after two months (۱۵.۷ versus ۱۹.۶, P=۰.۰۴), and six months follow-up (۸.۸ versus ۱۱.۸, P=۰.۰۰۵). The mean VSS was significantly lower in group A after two weeks (۵.۶ versus ۷.۱, P=۰.۰۰۱), after two months (۳.۵ versus ۴.۹, P=۰.۰۰۲), and six months (۱.۲ versus ۲.۷, P<۰.۰۰۱). Repeated measurement analysis showed that both interventions significantly affected PSAQ and VSS.Conclusion:Although both interventions had a significant effect on PSAQ and VSS, compared to Face Duox, the topical use of Aloe Vera cream significantly reduced scar formation after alar resection, both statistically and clinically.

Keywords:

Aloe vera , cicatrix , Wound healing , Rhinoplasty