From the Research
Treatment Options for Keloid Scars
The treatment of keloid scars can be challenging, and various modalities have been explored to manage these scars. Some of the treatment options include:
- Surgical excision: However, this method has a high recurrence rate unless combined with other therapies 1, 2, 3, 4
- Non-surgical methods:
- Corticosteroids: Can be used as intralesional injections or topical applications 1, 2, 3, 4
- Silicone-based products: Such as silicone sheets or gel 1, 2, 3, 4
- Pressure therapy: Using pressure dressings or elastic bandages 1, 2, 3, 4
- Radiotherapy: Can be used to reduce recurrence rate 1, 2, 3, 4
- Cryotherapy: Can be used to treat smaller lesions 2, 3, 4
- Laser therapy: Such as pulsed-dye laser, CO2, Nd:YAG, and Argon lasers 1, 2, 3, 4
- Imiquimod: Can be used as a topical cream 1, 2, 4
- 5-fluorouracil: Can be used as intralesional injections 1, 5, 4
- Interferons: Such as interferon alfa-2b 1, 3, 4
- Verapamil: Can be used as intralesional injections 1, 4
- Bleomycin: Can be used as intralesional injections 1, 4
- Botulinum toxin type A: Can be used as intralesional injections 1
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors: Can be used as a potential treatment option 1
- Stem cell therapy: A emerging treatment option 1
- Mitomycin C: A emerging treatment option 1
- Pentoxifylline: Can be used as a treatment option 2
- Dupilumab: Can be used as a treatment option 2
Combination Therapy
A combination of these treatment modalities may offer the best results, with higher patient satisfaction compared to monotherapy 1, 5, 4. The choice of treatment should be individualized, taking into account the patient's age, gender, medical history, and the severity of the condition 5, 4.