U.S. scientists say treating facial wounds during the early healing phase with botulinum toxin -- Botox -- improves the later appearance of scars.
"Our findings show that botulinum toxin offers an additional tool in preventing the formation of bad scars," said Dr. Holger Gassner, lead study researcher and former Mayo Clinic ear, nose and throat surgical resident. Gassner is currently a fellow in facial plastic surgery at the University of Washington.
"It will give us the option to optimize healing of forehead wounds in the first place and possibly allow us to avoid later surgeries to improve the scar's appearance," Gassner said.
The researchers say Botox is the first medication found to minimize scarring. They said an injection with botulinum toxin early after the occurrence of a wound -- such as trauma from a dog bite or motor vehicle accident -- paralyzes the region, creating a smooth surface in which the wound can heal. That prevents muscle movement from wrinkling the wound site, allowing for a flat surface for healing and leaving a smoother final scar.
The study is outlined in the August issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
Related stories:
Researchers develop new ultrasensitive assay to detect most poisonous substance known
Scientists at City of Hope and the California Department of Public Health have developed a new ultrasensitive assay to detect botulinum neurotoxin. The toxin is one of the most poisonous substances known that can cause life-threatening disease, and is considered a major potential bioterrorism threat agent. The research team’s work is published today in the online journal
PLoS ONE.
Genome of Clostridium botulinum reveals the background to world's deadliest toxin
The genome of the organism that produces the world’s most lethal toxin is revealed today. This toxin is the one real weapon in the genome of Clostridium botulinum and less than 2 kg — the weight of two bags of sugar — is enough to kill every person on the planet. Very small amounts of the same toxin are used in medical treatments, one of which is known as Botox®.
Botulism bug has few genome wrinkles
The genome of the organism that produces the world's most lethal toxin is revealed today. This toxin is the one real weapon in the genome of Clostridium botulinum and less than 2 kg - the weight of two bags of sugar - is enough to kill every person on the planet. Very small amounts of the same toxin are used in medical treatments, one of which is known as Botox.
Scientists determine drug target for the most potent botulinum neurotoxin
Botulinum neurotoxin – responsible for the deadly food poisoning disease botulism and for the beneficial effects of smoothing out facial wrinkles – can also be used as a dreaded biological weapon. When ingested or inhaled, less than a billionth of an ounce can cause muscle paralysis and eventual death. Although experimental vaccines administered prior to exposure can inhibit the destructive action of this neurotoxin – the most deadly protein known to humans – no effective pharmacological treatment exists.
Botox for newborns
Botulinum toxin, also called Botox, is best known as one of the most commonly used molecules to reduce wrinkles. It is also known as one of the most poisonous naturally occurring substances.
Canned vegetable recall is expanded
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said a Michigan company has, for the third time, expanded its nationwide recall of canned vegetable products.
Compounds show significant promise against potential bioweapon toxins
Because of the high cost and limited applicability of currently available treatments, the newly identified compounds have the potential to fill the existing therapy gap and to provide protection against a bioterrorism attack using the toxin.
Magnetic, luminescent nanoparticles set new standard
Researchers at UC Davis have created a new type of nanoparticles that could be used in tests for environmental pollution or contamination of food products, and for medical diagnostics.