|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

The Best Treatment for Keloids

Keloid lesions occur when an injury or illness, such as acne, burns, chickenpox, scratches, wounds, or ear piercing, develops excessive scar tissue. Keloids vary in appearance, but are typically flesh-colored, red or pink; a hard spot in place of a wound; and a raised or lumpy appearance. The treatments for keloids often depend upon the size of the lesion itself.

  1. Small Keloids

    • Small keloids, such as those that occur in the ear after piercing, may respond best to corticosteroid injections. The injections help the scar to flatten over time and are given as monthly injections over the course of three to six months, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. As recurrences of keloids are very common, the injections may need to be re-administered should the scarring recur.

      These injections also may be combined with cryosurgery, in which a freezing spray is applied to the keloid to freeze and suspend keloid cells in order for the injections to work more effectively.

    Pressure Applications

    • Keloids can be prevented and treated by applying pressure to the area. Pressure helps to break up the hard scar tissue that forms and prevents the buildup of cells over the wounds. Methods of using pressure to treat keloids include wrapping the area in a pressure dressing or tape. If the keloid occurs on the ear, a person can wear a clip or compression earring in order to minimize keloid scarring.

      Over-the-counter scar therapy pads, which are typically made of silicone, can also be used to flatten keloids. Similar in appearance to an adhesive bandage, these pads stimulate circulation and increase pressure to the area in order to flatten the scar. The pads are applied every day for a period of eight weeks in order to see results.

    Surgery for Severe Cases

    • Surgical removal for keloids is often recommended in scars that are long or are extremely pronounced or raised. The keloid can be surgically excised (cut out), then an X-ray treatment, electron beam radiation, or orthovoltage radiation can be applied to the wound to prevent the scar tissue from reforming. As surgical treatment can be both expensive and may take months to heal, it often is recommended only as a last resort.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles