Accelerated resolution of laser-induced bruising with topical 20% arnica: a rater-blinded randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Topical 20% arnica ointment may be able to reduce bruising more effectively than placebo and more effectively than low-concentration vitamin K formulations, such as 1% vitamin K with 0·3% retinol.

Is There a Role for Arnica and Bromelain in Prevention of Post-Procedure Ecchymosis or Edema? A Systematic Review of the Literature

“…34,35 Analysis and Recommendation Three RCTs demonstrated positive outcomes of arnica for prevention of postprocedure ecchymosis and edema. Albeit these studies used small sample population and experimented with different treatment regimen of arnica (potency and duration), arnica demonstrated reduction of postprocedure ecchymosis and edema.…”

A Guide to Safety in Dermatologic Cosmetic Procedures: Avoidance and Management of Common Pitfalls and Perils

“…A double blind randomized placebo-controlled trial showed some improvement in severity of purpura, but not overall duration with the use of topical vitamin K cream [68]. Some efficacy in accelerating resolution of laser induced bruising has been observed with 5 % topical vitamin K ointment and Arnica 20 % ointment [69]. Counterintuitively, the PDL may be used at a nonbruising setting to help speed resolution.…”

Complications of lasers and light treatments

“…Postprocedure bruising can be further minimized by having patients discontinue oral herbals and other medications (e.g., aspirin not prescribed by a doctor, vitamin E, and gingko) that may predispose. Some topical medications, such as vitamin K and arnica (4,5), may also be of limited utility in preventing or treating bruising. Paradoxically, use of the pulsed‐dye laser at nonbruising settings (for Candela Vbeam [Candela/Syneron, Wayland, MA, USA], 7.5 J, 6 ms, 10 mm with normal dynamic cooling device) can speed the fading of bruising that has already occurred (6).…”