Treatment Options
Keloids can be treated in a variety of ways depending on factors such as nodule size, depth and location and your age, general health condition and personal preferences. Sometimes more than one treatment may be used at the same time. The following treatment possibilities are available:
Cryosurgery – This treatment method uses super-cooled gas to freeze and flatten keloids, and is often performed in combination with corticosteroid or interferon injections.
Excision – Cutting off keloids with a scalpel is another treatment option. It is most effective when combined with corticosteroid or interferon injections, compression therapy or radiation.
Laser Therapy – A high-intensity light, or laser, can be used to flatten keloids. Laser therapy is sometimes given in combination with corticosteroid injections.
Radiation Therapy – Another keloid treatment method is radiation therapy, which uses a high energy X-ray machine to direct radiation at the nodule. Occasionally radiation therapy is delivered internally via small radioactive pellets implanted directly into the skin.
Corticosteroid Injections – One of the most often used treatments to flatten keloids is the injection of corticosteroids directly into the scar tissue.
Occlusive Dressings – Another standard treatment is the use of occlusive dressings, which do not allow moisture loss or access to the air. These may include silicone gel sheets, non-silicone sheets or medicated tape.
Compression Therapy – Mechanical pressure, or compression therapy, has long been employed as an effective treatment for keloids. Among the many devices used are pressure earrings, special stretchy garments and elastic or Lycra bandages.
Interferon Therapy – One of the more recent developments in keloid treatment is the injection of interferon directly into the scar tissue.
Other Therapies – A variety of other therapies are now being used to treat keloids, such as anti-transforming growth factor, verapamil, bleomycin, 5-fluorouracil, retinoic acid and imiquimod.
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