Can keloids be cured?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Once keloids appear, they are essentially irreversible, meaning that they cannot be completely cured clinically. The formation of keloids is mostly related to one's own constitution, such as a keloid-prone skin type.

Some keloids are also due to trauma occurring in areas of the skin where muscular tension is relatively high, or where the wound is indeed large and deep, which might lead to the formation of keloids. In such cases, localized drug injections can be used to reduce and soften the keloids.

One can also use ointments that soften scars, such as keloid soothing and softening cream, but these require long-term application to be effective. If the keloid is relatively small, cosmetic surgery to remove and re-sew the area can also be an option for treatment.

In summary, once keloids have developed, they are not easy to completely cure.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can scars soften and flatten?

Scars are related to the size and depth of one’s own trauma, and some patients have a scar constitution, where even a small wound can leave a relatively large scar. Once a scar forms, it cannot be completely eradicated, but topical medications or local injections can be used to gradually soften and flatten or shrink the scar. However, this condition also has a certain recurrence rate, such as often consuming spicy and stimulating food, drinking alcohol, or when the body is inflamed, which can lead to the scar proliferating again. Therefore, this condition cannot be completely cured. After treatment, it is essential to avoid spicy and stimulating food for a long time, not to irritate or scratch the area, and to strengthen exercise according to one's immunity, and take some medications to enhance the immune system.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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What should I do about auricular keloids?

Auricular keloids are a relatively common clinical condition, which may be related to an individual's scar constitution. Firstly, it is necessary to examine the size of the keloid. If the keloid is small, without obvious enlarging, redness, pain, infection, or inflammation, this situation generally can be considered for observation followed by regular ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist follow-ups to check for any rapid growth. However, if the keloid is large and progressively growing, surgical removal should be considered. After the surgery, local superficial radiation therapy can be considered to help prevent postoperative recurrence.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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What will happen if hypertrophic scars are not treated?

Hypertrophic scars are actually related to individual constitution. This condition mainly occurs due to scarring following an injury, which leads to excessive growth of scar tissue. As long as there are no inflammatory changes, generally, hypertrophic scars do not cause any problems. However, some hypertrophic scars may develop into malignant lesions, particularly in areas that are easily stimulated, such as the soles of the feet or the armpits. If a hypertrophic scar persists and the area is continually stimulated, it may lead to changes in the scar, which, in severe cases, could even become malignant. In such situations, it is crucial to manage the condition promptly based on the specific circumstances. Safe treatment measures usually involve techniques such as laser surgery.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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How to eliminate hypertrophic scars?

For the elimination of hypertrophic scars, one can apply anti-scarring ointment to the surface early after surgery. If the patient indeed has a scarring constitution, at the end of the surgery, it is advisable to inject medications into the subcutaneous area or within the wound tissue to prevent excessive or abnormal scar proliferation. If necessary, radiotherapy can be applied; under the effect of X-rays, it can effectively prevent the abnormal proliferation of scar tissue and the abnormal and excessive growth of fibroblasts. If there is already hypertrophic scarring, one might consider excising the hypertrophied scar tissue and re-suturing the wound.

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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.