How can I treat hypertrophic and keloid scarring?
Cryotherapy – this involves the application of liquid nitrogen (commonly known as dry ice) to the keloid scar. Clinical studies have shown flattening within a few sessions. This can be combined with corticosteroid injections into the scar. Corticosteroids – Corticosteroid creams and injections (including triamcinolone acetonide) are a common treatment modality for keloid scarring. Although, they do not make keloids disappear, they can help to flatten and provide symptomatic relief. A series of injections is usually required to gain the maximal effect – usually at 2 – 3 week intervals. 5-Flurouracil injections (5-FU) – can also be used alone or in combination with corticosteroid injections into keloid scars. This treatment stops fibroblasts from making new scar tissue. 5-FU is also used as a chemotherapy agent normally. Surgery – surgical excision of a keloid scar is commonly ineffective as the recurrence rate is very high. Combining surgery with corticosteroid injections and/or externa
