What should you know about the most effective keloid treatment?

Keloids extend beyond the original wound and can become firm, itchy, sore, or restrictive. Treatment is not selected by size alone: location, skin colour, previous treatment, and whether the scar is still growing all matter. A dermatologist may use injections to soften tissue, laser to address redness or texture, freezing for selected lesions, or surgery for a bulky scar.

Because a new wound can stimulate more scar tissue, removal is often paired with preventive care. A changing lump should be examined rather than assumed to be a keloid. [Skin Lumps](/symptoms/skin-lumps/) offers related guidance.

Discuss [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/) when flattening and itch control are priorities. [Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/pulsed-dye-laser-treatment/) may be considered for redness, while [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/) addresses selected surface or texture concerns. [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/) and [Keloid Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/keloid-excision/) suit different clinical situations.

Follow wound-care instructions, protect healing skin from friction and sun, and attend review appointments. Avoid home cutting, burning, or unregulated scar products.

Seek assessment for a scar that grows, bleeds, breaks down, becomes painful, or restricts a joint or body opening. After treatment, urgent review is appropriate for fever, pus, spreading redness, severe swelling, or rapidly worsening pain.

What is the treatment target: height, redness, itch, pain, or movement? Which combination fits this scar? What signs of regrowth should I watch for? How will healing be protected?