Topical timolol promotes healing of chronic leg ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Chronic ulcers are a common problem, with chronic diabetic and venous ulcers forming a large proportion. This is the first case-control study to assess the effect of topical timolol on healing of chronic venous and chronic diabetic ulcers.

METHODS: The study included 60 patients with chronic leg ulcers. The ulcers in the study group (n = 30) were treated with topical 0.5% timolol maleate solution along with antibiotics and dressings; those in the control group (n = 30) received only antibiotics and dressings. The ulcers in both groups were evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and ulcer area was calculated. Healing rate was assessed by calculating the percentage change in ulcer area.

RESULTS: The mean percentage change in area at 4, 8, and 12 weeks was 25.29, 43.77, and 61.79 in the study group and 11.92, 22.40, and 29.62 in the control group. Analysis showed that there were significant differences in percentage change in ulcer of the study and control groups at all three time points and also within the groups. The type of ulcer, history of alcohol consumption, and smoking did not affect the healing rates in the study group.

CONCLUSIONS: Topical β-blockade using timolol improves the healing of chronic leg ulcers.