Keloid Removal & Treatment

Keloids are protruding scars that rise above the skin. They are irregularly shaped and are a purple or pink color. They're usually dome-shaped and gradually get larger over time. Some of the methods of removal and treatment are cryotherapy and cortisone injection.

Compression Therapy

Compression therapy involves the use of compression wraps or bandages to flatten a keloid. This is most commonly used on ear keloids.

Cortisone Injections

Injecting a cortisone steroid into a keloid can cause the keloid to flatten. These injections are not very painful typically and are given once a month. This method of treatment still leaves a mark where a keloid was.

Laser

Pulse lasers are used to reduce redness and flatten a keloid. The pain level is low, but several sessions are usually needed. Laser treatments are usually not covered under most insurance plans and can end up being quite costly.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze a keloid, causing it to flatten in most cases. However, this treatment may cause permanent darkening where the keloid used to be.

Surgical Removal

Some doctors treat the area with steroids and compression therapy after surgically removing a keloid to prevent another keloid from forming. Surgery is usually not recommended because it can trigger the skin to form an even larger keloid.

References

• National Library of Medicine