A keloid forms on the skin after a puncture or injury that would normally cause scar tissue to form. Normal scars form as the body produces connective tissue called fibroblasts to cover and close the wound, and the connective tissue ceases to form once the wound is healed. With keloids, the production of fibroblasts continues beyond what is necessary, causing additional scar-like tissue to grow above the skin and form large mounds of painful tissue.
Steroid Treatment
Cortisone injection is often the first choice of treatment for keloid lesions. Monthly injections reduce the prominence of the keloid within six months. These may be augmented by topical application of silicon gel over the affected area during treatment. This treatment has a roughly 70 percent response rate, according to KevinMD.com, and is the lest invasive of all keloid treatments.
Surgical Treatment
Cryosurgery is often a successful remedy for small keloids on lightly-pigmented skin. In cryosurgery, liquid nitrogen or another extremely cold substance is used to freeze off unwanted tissue. Monthly cortisone injections are often used to augment the effectiveness of surgical removal. Surgical removal is also commonly used for earlobe keloid growths. An alpha-interferon is injected into the scar immediately after removal to further prevent a recurrence of the keloid formation.
Radiation and Laser Treatment
Laser treatment can be effective in improving the texture and color of skin affected by keloid growths, but the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology notes that it is not effective in flattening keloids or raised scar tissue from keloid removal. In very severe cases, surgery is followed by focused x-ray exposure to the affected area within 24 hours. Electron beam radiation is effective because it does not penetrate deep enough to reach internal organs. Orthovoltage radiation penetrates more deeply, but is a more expensive treatment. The AOCD reports a success rate of about 85% in cases where radiation follows surgery in such severe cases.
Over the Counter Remedies
Silicone pads or creams can be bought over the counter. These will reduce some of the pain, swelling and itching from a keloid but are not effective in removing the keloid or reducing its size.
