KELOID SCAR TREATMENT
A keloid scar is a firm, smooth, shiny, raised growth that occurs, as a result of excessive scar tissue formation. They can last for years and sometimes do not form until months or years after the initial injury. It can be purplish red in colour.
Although they can be a cosmetic problem, keloid scars are only inert masses of collagen and therefore completely harmless. However, they can be itchy or painful in some individuals.
Keloids may develop after minor injuries such as trauma, burns, insect bites, acne, ear piercing or surgery. They are common in Fitzpatrick skin type IV, V and VI. Most common sites are shoulders, chest, earlobes, face and upper arms.
Risk factors associated with keloid formation include:
- Having a darker skin tone.
- Pregnancy.
- Aged under 30 years.
What is the difference between hypertrophic scars and keloid scars?
Keloid scars are a more serious form of scarring, because they can grow indefinitely into large masses. Hypertrophic scars are often distinguished from keloid scars by their lack of growth outside the original wound area.
It is important to note that, you cannot get rid of a keloid scar, but there are treatments that can help improve how it looks. One of the treatment options includes intralesional steroid injections.
Treatment for keloid scars:
Keloids can be difficult to treat but there are several options that can help minimise the discomfort and disfigurement. Although no treatment is effective in completely resolving keloid scars, but intralesional steroids have been shown to be beneficial. Injections have been shown to be around 70-80% effective in reducing keloid scars. Anywhere between 4-5 sessions may be needed, 6-8 weeks apart.
Intralesional steroid, triamcinolone, inhibits the proliferation of normal and keloid fibroblasts, inhibits collagen synthesis, increases collagenase production and reduces levels of collagenase inhibitors.
Adverse effects:
Adverse effects of intralesional steroids include subcutaneous atrophy (loss of fatty tissue leading to a sunken look of the skin), telangiectasis (broken capillaries) and pigment changes like hypopigmentation.
Here at MKSkin clinic, Milton Keynes, we offer intralesional steroid injections for improving keloid scars.