Onion Extract Gel Versus Petrolatum Emollient on New Surgical Scars: a Prospective Double-Blinded Study

METHODS Twenty-four patients with new surgical wounds at least 4cm in length were enrolled in the study. Using a randomized, double-blinded, split-scar study design, each scar was divided into two equal portions, and each half was assigned treatment with either onion extract gel or petrolatum ointment at the time of suture removal. Each product was applied three times daily for 8 weeks, and patients were evaluated at 2, 8, and 12 weeks following initiation of treatment. A follow-up phone interview was conducted at least 11 months postoperatively. RESULTS Scar halves were evaluated by blinded investigators for overall cosmetic appearance, erythema, and hypertrophy. Patients also independently rated side-specific erythema, pruritus, burning, and pain. Using the paired t-test and the Wilcoxon sign-rank test, we found no statistically significant difference (po.1) between the two treatment groups in any of the outcome variables studied. CONCLUSION Petrolatum-based topical agents constitute standard therapy in the management of postoperative wounds. In this side-by-side, randomized, double-blinded, splitscar study, the onion extract gel did not improve scar cosmesis or symptomatology when compared with a petrolatum-based ointment.