Does pulsed dye laser treatment treat keloid scars?

A keloid is scar tissue that grows beyond the original wound and may feel firm, itchy, tender, or tight. Pulsed dye laser targets blood vessels within the scar, which can reduce visible redness and may ease itch or sensitivity for some people. Its effect on thickness is limited, so a dermatologist may combine it with steroid injections, pressure therapy, silicone, or another scar treatment. Keloids can regrow after treatment, and a scar that is still enlarging needs a tailored plan rather than laser alone.

Have the scar examined to confirm that it is a keloid rather than a hypertrophic scar, infection, or another growth. Tell the clinician if you have formed keloids before, have darker skin that marks after inflammation, or take medicines affecting healing. Ask whether a test area is appropriate and how laser fits with injections or silicone care. After treatment, follow dressing instructions, avoid rubbing or picking, and use sun protection once the skin has closed.

Arrange review if the scar is enlarging, increasingly painful, ulcerated, bleeding, or restricting movement. Following laser, contact the clinic for spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever, severe blistering, or worsening pain. A rapidly changing lump should be assessed rather than repeatedly treated as a scar. Seek urgent help for facial swelling with breathing or swallowing difficulty.

Does the scar extend beyond the original wound, and what makes it a keloid? Is laser intended to reduce redness, itch, thickness, or several of these? Which combination lowers the chance of further growth for my scar?