1. Regular Injections
Cortisone (steroid) injections can be used to flatten keloids (scars that grow beyond the boundaries of the original injury) if they are used on a regular basis. Although considered safe and relatively painless, the injections can cause the reddish color of the tissue to intensify because of an increase of superficial blood vessels. These injections can definitely improve the look of the tissue, but they cannot remove the keloid completely, and the tissue will not feel the same as healthy tissue. Another type of injection that is sometimes used in conjunction with cortisone is called fluorouracil, a type of chemotherapy.
2. Surgeon's Knife
The option of surgery to remove keloids is available, but it comes with a risk. Because the surgery will be creating new scar tissue, it is common for patients to develop new and bigger keloids as a result. Sometimes this recurrence can be avoided through the post-operative use of steroid injections, pressure bandages or radiation.
3. Laser Treatment
An alternative to steroid injections is laser treatment. This method is also considered safe and relatively painless. Using a pulsed-dye laser, the keloid can be flattened and the redness diminished. For this method to be successful, it may be necessary to have repeat visits to your doctor's office. Carefully weigh the benefits versus the risks of this option, as laser treatments can also lead to new and larger keloids.
4. Silicone Treatment
Silicone treatment is not the most convenient method for treating keloids as it requires application of a section of silicone gel on a daily basis for several weeks or even months. The silicone must be applied to the keloid for several hours each day.
5. Interferon
Interferon treatment is in the experimental phase. Interferons are proteins our bodies use to battle harmful invaders such as viruses and bacteria. Interferons may be used as injections or in conjunction with imiquimod, a topical ointment used to stimulate the internal production of interferon. The lasting effects of this treatment are not yet known.
