Question

What is the best keloid treatment?

i am an african american, male, 39 yrs old that wants to get rid of a keloid that appears on my ear lobe. my family dr said i need steroid injections.  but is that the safest keloid treatment?  what other options are there?

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Asked by: Rex, NY, NY

Answers (2)

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June 1, 2008

Current Research Offering Better Improvement for Keloids

Lori Haney, RN
Lori Haney, RN

Hello Rex,

In our practice, we are able to treat keloids with two different lasers to help debulk (decrease the size) and improve the color of these very stubborn lesions. Many of our patients combine steroid injections with lasers for optimal results.

Unfortunately, your skin type and the location of your keloid makes it necessary to seek out treatments that don't involve lasers. I have come across much more research and studies that are using newer modalities, specifically for earlobe keloids, with good outcomes. I would encourage you to seek out a plastic surgeon or dermatologist that is experienced with earlobe keloids and is up-to-date with current treatments that are available. The good news is that there are options now that weren't availalbe up until recently.

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May 30, 2008

Keloid Treatment

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD
Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD
Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon

To address your question, keloid scars form following trauma to the skin,  therefore you might find it ironic that the most effective treatment of keloids has been surgical excision coupled with proper wound closure and radiation therapy. 

The steroid used for intralesional injection is Kenalog.  Although I often administer Kenalog injections during time of wound repair or post keloid excision, in my experience Kenalog injections alone are a more favorable treatment for hypertrophic scars than keloids.

Surgical excision alone has resulted in documented recurrence rates of 50 to 80%.  However, excision of the keloid followed by Radiation therapy has been shown to reduce the recurrence rate to 20%.  It is suggested that irradiation be initiated within 24 hours of the excision.

Also, because pressure is believed to increase collagen breakdown and decrease tissue metabolism, I often recommend the use of pressure earrings following excision of earlobe keloids to further decrease the risk of keloid recurrence (Ahn, 1991).

Feel free to visit the below webpage for further information about the treatment of keloid scars.

Hope that helps! 

Dr. Slupchynskyj 

 

Ahn ST, Monafo WW, Mustoe TA. Topical silicone gel for the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scar. Arch Surg. Apr 1991;126(4):499-504

 

 

 

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