Keloid Treatment: Assessment, Options and Recurrence

A keloid is a raised scar that grows beyond the boundary of the original injury. It can develop after surgery, burns, acne, piercing or another skin injury. Diagnosis matters because hypertrophic scars and other skin conditions may require different care.

Assessment

A clinician should review how the scar developed, symptoms, growth, location, skin type, previous keloids and earlier treatment. Pain, itching or restriction near a joint may affect the plan. A changing or uncertain lesion should be assessed before cosmetic treatment.

Treatment options

Options may include silicone gel or dressings, steroid treatment, cryotherapy, laser treatment or selected combinations. Surgery alone can be followed by recurrence and is not automatically the preferred option. The NHS keloid guidance notes that treatment may improve appearance or irritation but cannot promise complete removal.

Risks and expectations

Risks vary by treatment and can include pain, pigment change, skin thinning, ulceration, infection, treatment marks and recurrence. Multiple sessions may be needed, but a fixed number or success rate cannot be promised. “Natural” remedies should not be described as safe or effective without applicable evidence.

Prevention and follow-up

People with a history of keloids should tell clinicians before elective skin procedures, tattoos or piercings. Follow the individual wound-care plan and seek review for rapid growth, worsening pain, discharge or diagnostic uncertainty.

Read Revitalize’s scar-treatment guide or contact Revitalize for assessment.