WOUND-HEALING IN BEHCETS-SYNDROME

Background Because there is an increased inflammatory response to trau ma, particularly of the skin, in patients with Behcet's syndrome (BS), an alteration in wound healing in BS is expected. The aim of this stu dy was to investigate the healing features of punch biopsy wounds in B S and acne vulgaris (AV) patients used as controls. Method Full-thickn ess skin punch biopsies (4 mm) were taken from the hairless sites of t he non-dominant forearms in 20 BS and 20 AV patients. Each patient was examined on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10, and the biopsy wound area and induration were marked on sterile glass slides. Other inflammatory changes, such as suppuration and pain, were also recorded. No antisep tic solutions or ointment, except saline, were used. Results The wound area healed similarly in both groups (p > 0.05). Thirteen (65%) BS pa tients had erythematous haloes around the wound on the first day. The number of patients presenting inflammatory changes reached 18 (90%) on the second day in the BS group. The area of erythema around the wound in BS patients was significantly greater than that in AV patients (5; 25%). It gradually decreased day by day, Purulent changes were observ ed in four BS patients on day 1, and induration around the biopsy woun d in six patients on day 2. Only one patient with AV had suppuration, which appeared on the second day, while no AV patient displayed indura tion. Conclusion Biopsy-induced trauma may cause increased inflammatio n in BS, but wound healing is not altered.