Treatment of keloids

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 04, 2024
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The formation of keloids is somewhat related to an individual's scar constitution. Once keloids have formed, there is a lack of a perfectly effective treatment plan. The most commonly used treatments are topical ointments, which can't completely solve the problem. The most frequent treatment involves local application of steroid medications, which can be chosen based on the size of the keloid to be treated 2-3 times, or even four to five times. After treatment, the keloids will gradually shrink, become softer, and smaller, but they will not completely disappear. If the keloid proliferation is not particularly severe, one can also visit a dermatology department at a formal hospital to use fractional laser treatment. Currently, there are many other drug treatments available, but their ultimate effects are not certain, so it is best to prevent such conditions in individuals prone to keloids, avoiding external injuries or scars.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Treatment of keloids

The formation of keloids is somewhat related to an individual's scar constitution. Once keloids have formed, there is a lack of a perfectly effective treatment plan. The most commonly used treatments are topical ointments, which can't completely solve the problem. The most frequent treatment involves local application of steroid medications, which can be chosen based on the size of the keloid to be treated 2-3 times, or even four to five times. After treatment, the keloids will gradually shrink, become softer, and smaller, but they will not completely disappear. If the keloid proliferation is not particularly severe, one can also visit a dermatology department at a formal hospital to use fractional laser treatment. Currently, there are many other drug treatments available, but their ultimate effects are not certain, so it is best to prevent such conditions in individuals prone to keloids, avoiding external injuries or scars.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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The difference between hypertrophic scars and keloids

In a strict sense, hypertrophic scars and keloids are similar in their pathogenesis. For hypertrophic scars, the typical presentation is localized overgrowth at the scar site, which means that there is an overgrowth during the wound healing process, resulting in a relatively large and numerous scar. Keloids represent a more severe condition where there is a localized raised scar on the wound, which can be significantly large, sometimes resembling a bug on the surface of the scar. They are more likely to occur in areas like the neck, behind the ears, and under the earlobes. For the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids, if the patient has a predisposition to scarring, considerations include early intervention during wound suturing and healing, such as injection of medications or radiation therapy.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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What does "scar constitution" mean?

Scar constitution is a type of special genetic constitution, typically leading to larger scars from minor injuries, especially in areas such as the chest and back where skin and muscles are tense. People with scar constitution should avoid injuries or bumps, particularly avoiding scratching or squeezing folliculitis on the chest, as scars formed are difficult to completely remove. Common anti-scar medications often do not work well. If scar proliferation is significant, treatment with medical injections in a standardized hospital's dermatology department may be required. Regular exercise, boosting the immune system, avoiding spicy or irritating food, and avoiding staying up late can help reduce the frequency of this condition.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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What should I do if I have pain from hypertrophic scars?

Once an injury occurs, it is very likely to develop hypertrophic scars, and the appearance of such scars is related to the individual's constitution, often accompanied by symptoms such as pain. When this condition occurs, specific treatments are definitely needed for improvement, typically using laser surgery as the main treatment, or it can be removed at once through surgical operation, which helps improve the condition. Of course, hypertrophic scars can also be improved through some physical therapy methods, such as by adjusting in different degrees, like acupuncture, which can fade the scars by improving local blood circulation. However, physical therapy is just one aspect; consistent improvement in lifestyle habits to avoid recurrent stimulation of hypertrophic scars is also crucial for recovery.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can ear piercing caused keloids be cured?

After getting ear piercings, some patients may develop keloids, which could be related to individual body reactions. Some cases are due to a person's scar constitution. First, the size of the keloid should be examined. If the keloid is small and does not show obvious growth, it is generally considered appropriate to observe and regularly re-examine the growth. However, if the keloid is large and gradually increasing in size, surgical removal should be considered. After surgery, superficial radiotherapy is recommended to help prevent recurrence. However, it is typically necessary to have regular follow-ups post-surgery, as some patients are prone to recurrence.