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Treatment of actinic keratoses with birch bark extract: a pilot study
Author(s) -
Huyke Constance,
Laszczyk Melanie,
Scheffler Armin,
Ernst Reinhard,
Schempp Christoph M.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
jddg: journal der deutschen dermatologischen gesellschaft
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.463
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1610-0387
pISSN - 1610-0379
DOI - 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2006.05906.x
Subject(s) - medicine , bark (sound) , betulinic acid , betulin , dermatology , cryotherapy , surgery , chemistry , genetics , physics , organic chemistry , acoustics , biology
Summary Background: Birch bark contains a variety of apoptosis‐inducing and anti‐inflammatory substances such as betulinic acid, betulin, oleanolic acid and lupeol. Therefore, birch bark extract may be effective in the treatment of actinic keratoses. To address this issue, a pilot study using a standardized birch bark ointment was performed. Methods: Twenty‐eight patients with actinic keratoses were enrolled in this prospective, non‐randomized pilot study. Fourteen patients were treated with birch bark ointment only; fourteen patients received a combination therapy with cryotherapy and birch bark ointment. Treatment response was assessed clinically after two months. Results: Clearing of more than 75 % of the lesions was seen in 79 % of the patients treated with birch bark ointment monotherapy. The response rate of the combined treatment modality was 93 %. Therapy with birch bark ointment was well tolerated. Conclusion: In this pilot study, a standardized birch bark extract was effective in the treatment of actinic keratoses. This therapy is easy to perform and it has no side effects. Birch bark ointment may be a new therapeutic option for actinic keratoses.