Treatment and Medication Options for Keloids
Keloids generally do not need to be treated. But treatment may be helpful if a keloid scar causes discomfort or hampers movement (if it covers a joint or a large area, for example). People may also seek treatment for a keloid if the scar impacts their self-esteem and how they feel about their appearance. For instance, if the scar is large or is located in a very visible place on your body, your doctor may be able to help you find ways to reduce the size and prominence of the keloid.
There is no one treatment that works best for all keloids. Dermatologists typically tailor the treatment to the individual based upon factors such as age and type of keloid. Keloids are difficult to banish completely, and using more than one type of treatment often improves results. Dermatologists therefore often recommend two or more types of treatments for their patients.
Treatment options for keloid scars include:
- Cryotherapy This treatment, which works best on small keloids, involves freezing the keloid from the inside out. This method is often used before or after corticosteroid injections to help make the injections more effective, says the AAD.
- Pressure Therapy This involves using a device or a special piece of clothing to put pressure on the area and reduce blood flow to the site to inhibit the regrowth of the keloid. While effective, this treatment, which is often used after surgery, can be difficult for many people to stick to. These devices can be uncomfortable, and people need to wear them for 6 to 12 months.
- Radiation TherapyIn this treatment, the keloid is surgically removed and low-dose radiation is used to prevent scar tissue from regrowing.
- Laser Therapy This treatment uses high-energy light beams to reduce the size and lighten the color of a keloid. Laser therapy is commonly combined with other treatments such as corticosteroid injections or pressure therapy.
- Silicone Gels and Patches These silicone-based treatments help flatten and reduce the size and color of the scars.
- Ligature Your doctor may opt to use a surgical thread to tie around the keloid, which cuts off the blood supply so that the keloid will naturally fall off after a period of time.
- Surgery Surgery is typically combined with other therapies such as corticosteroid injections or silicone treatments; that’s because in nearly 100 percent of cases, keloids grow back after surgical removal, according to the AAD.
Medication Options
- Corticosteroid Injections These injections are administered into the keloid to help reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels, which may help relieve swelling, itchiness, or tenderness.
- Fluorouracil This chemotherapy medication, which is usually used to treat cancer, may be used in conjunction with corticosteroids.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
While there are a number of products on the market that claim to be effective for prevention or treatment of keloids, there isn’t a lot of research that provides solid evidence to support those claims. Here are two alternative and complementary therapies that have some science behind them.
Centella asiatica has commonly been touted as preventing keloids. In a study published in April 2018 in the journal Minerva Chirurgica, researchers analyzed the postoperative scars of 129 patients after they received knee or abdominal surgery. Those who received centella asiatica showed fewer signs of keloid formation compared with those who didn’t receive it. The study researchers also noted that the centella asiatica supplement is safe, doesn’t interfere with other treatments, and is well-tolerated.
Related: What Are 'Natural' Skin-Care Products, and Are They Actually Better for You?
Prevention of Keloids
If you are prone to developing keloids, you’ll want to be vigilant about taking steps to prevent the formation of these scars. Some tips from AAD to keep in mind:
- Try to avoid body piercings, tattoos, or any elective surgery, as keloids can occur after these procedures.
- Treat any injury right away, no matter how minor it is; this may help your skin heal faster and reduce your risk of scarring.
- If you do find yourself with a wound, talk to your dermatologist about how best to care and dress it. This will help you prevent keloid scars from developing.
