Influence on clinical parameters of depressomassage (part I): The effects of depressomassage on color and transepidermal water loss rate in burn scars: A pilot comparative controlled study

Objective

Depressomassage is a non-invasive massage technique using a mechanical suction device that is used in the treatment of traumatic or burn scars. Since color and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) are respectively the most important physical and physiological characteristic of hypertrophic scar formation, we wanted to investigate the effects of depressomassage on the recovery of color and TEWL in burn scars compared to the traditional physiotherapy.

Methods

In this pilot comparative controlled study a total 43 burn patients were included and allocated into 2 groups. All patients received standard physical therapy, and the test group received additional depressomassage during 6 months. Color was assessed using the POSAS questionnaire (for color, vascularity and pigmentation) and the Minolta Chromameter. TEWL was measured using DermaLab.

Results

Patients of both groups were evaluated at baseline, after 1, 3 and 6 months and after 1 year. The evidence for a difference in evolution of color and TEWL between both groups in our study was minimal.

Conclusions

In practice, precise indications to begin depressomassage have to be kept in mind. Perhaps other scar abnormalities such as decreased elasticity, increased thickness, excessive pain or itching could be sufficient reasons to begin depressomassage and should be assessed.