From the Research
Pressure therapy is a safe and effective treatment for keloids that does not cause them to spread, as evidenced by the most recent and highest quality study available 1. This therapy works by applying continuous pressure to the keloid using compression garments, silicone gel sheets, or pressure earrings (for earlobe keloids), typically worn for 12-24 hours daily for at least 6-12 months. The pressure should be around 24-30 mmHg to be effective while remaining comfortable enough for consistent use. Key benefits of pressure therapy include:
- Decreasing blood flow to the keloid, which reduces collagen production and promotes collagen reorganization, ultimately flattening and softening the scar
- Being most effective when started early after keloid formation or following surgical removal of a keloid to prevent recurrence
- Requiring significant patient commitment and may cause temporary skin irritation or discomfort, but posing no risk of causing keloids to spread or worsen
- Often being combined with other treatments like silicone sheets, corticosteroid injections, or cryotherapy as part of a comprehensive approach to keloid management, as seen in studies such as 2, which highlights the effectiveness of combination therapies in treating keloids. However, it's essential to consider the individual patient's needs and responses to different treatments, as well as the potential for variations in treatment outcomes based on factors like keloid location and size, as noted in studies like 3 and 4. Overall, pressure therapy is a valuable treatment option for keloids, offering a safe and effective way to manage these scars and improve patient quality of life, as supported by the available evidence 5, 1.