Treatment Options for Keloids: Surgical, Non-Surgical, and Emerging Therapies

Dealing with keloids can be frustrating, but there are various treatment options available to help manage these raised scars. From surgical procedures to non-surgical interventions and emerging therapies, let’s explore the options for tackling keloids and restoring smooth, healthy skin.

Surgical Treatment

One common approach to treating keloids is surgical removal. During this procedure, the keloid is carefully excised (cut out) by a healthcare provider. However, there’s a risk of keloid recurrence after surgery, meaning the scar may grow back even larger than before. To reduce this risk, additional treatments, such as steroid injections or radiation therapy, may be used in combination with surgery.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Several non-surgical treatments can help reduce the size and symptoms of keloids:

1. Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to flatten keloids and reduce inflammation. Multiple injections may be required over several months to achieve optimal results.
2. Pressure Therapy: Applying pressure dressings or silicone gel sheets to keloids can help flatten them over time. These devices should be worn consistently for several months to see improvement.
3. Cryotherapy: Freezing keloids with liquid nitrogen can help shrink them. However, this treatment may cause skin lightening or darkening in some cases.
4. Laser Therapy: Laser treatment can help reduce the redness and thickness of keloids, promoting smoother skin. Multiple laser sessions may be necessary for optimal results.
5. Radiation Therapy: Low-dose radiation therapy may be used after surgical excision to prevent keloid recurrence. However, this treatment is typically reserved for severe or recurrent cases due to potential side effects.

Emerging Therapies

Researchers are continually exploring new and innovative therapies for keloids. Some emerging treatments include:

1. Topical Treatments: Certain medications and compounds applied directly to the skin may help reduce keloid size and symptoms. These include silicone gel, imiquimod cream, and verapamil gel.
2. Biologic Agents: Biologic drugs, such as interferon or bleomycin, may be injected into keloids to inhibit collagen production and promote scar remodeling.
3. Gene Therapy: Gene-based approaches are being investigated to target specific pathways involved in keloid formation, potentially offering more targeted and effective treatment options in the future.

Conclusion

Managing keloids often requires a combination of surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to each individual’s unique needs. While surgical removal may be effective for some, non-surgical interventions like steroid injections, pressure therapy, and laser treatment can also produce positive results. Additionally, emerging therapies hold promise for improving keloid treatment outcomes in the future.

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