The Effects of Timolol On Healing and Cosmesis of Mohs Scalp Wounds: An Open Label Trial

Mohs surgical wounds of the scalp and anterior lower leg share several characteristics. They both involve convex surfaces with high tissue tension, and both are often allowed to heal by secondary intent. Secondary intent healing on the scalp is a slow process, with studies noting a mean time for re-epithelialization ranging from 7 to 26 weeks, depending on if the periosteum is intact. Recently, topical timolol has garnered attention for its effectiveness in promoting healing of open wounds on the lower extremity. Studies have shown improved healing in patients with comorbidities, an impressive safety profile, and improved cosmesis in wounds healing by secondary intent.5 To our knowledge, no study to date has sought to evaluate the effect of topical timolol on surgical wounds of the scalp. The study population will be patients at our institution who have undergone Mohs surgery and for whom secondary intent healing ("granulation") is deemed an appropriate treatment. Endpoints will include time to re-epithelialization, percentage change in wound area, and cosmesis (measured using VAS) at pre-determined follow up intervals. The potential contribution of this research is to provide evidence on the efficacy and safety of topical timolol in accelerating healing and improving the cosmetic appearance of surgical wounds on the scalp. We anticipate that timolol will speed wound healing and improve cosmesis of scalp wounds, just as it has in other surgical and non-surgical granulating wounds. The benefits of faster healing and improved cosmesis to individual patients are obvious. This study may also positively impact health care providers and the health care system, as we anticipate those with faster healing wounds will need fewer follow-up visits and make fewer calls for non-healing wounds. The affordability of topical timolol could make effective wound care more accessible to a broader range of patients, potentially reducing overall healthcare costs associated with prolonged wound healing and complications. In the future, timolol may be used instead of expensive surgical procedures, allografts, xenografts, and other expensive grafting materials. This cost reduction is also anticipated to benefit health systems. We anticipate that other institutions will adopt the use of topical timolol for Mohs wounds of the scalp, and that eventually this may become the new standard of care.