What Is the First Treatment for Keloid Scars?

A keloid is a raised scar that grows beyond the original wound boundary and may feel firm, itchy, tender, or tight. An intralesional steroid injection places medicine into the scar to reduce excessive scar activity and soften the tissue. Several treatment sessions may be needed, and the scar can respond gradually. Other options include cryotherapy, pulsed dye laser treatment, or fractional laser treatment. Keloid removal surgery may be considered for selected scars, usually with a plan to reduce the chance of the scar returning.

Have the scar assessed before treating it, especially if it is changing quickly, bleeding, or difficult to distinguish from another growth. Tell the clinician about previous scars, reactions to injections, skin conditions, and treatments already tried. Do not pick, pierce, or repeatedly irritate the area. After an injection or procedure, follow wound-care instructions and protect healing skin from friction and strong sun. Ask how the treatment plan will monitor flattening, colour, itch, and tenderness rather than judging it only by size.

Arrange a review if the scar is painful, itchy, enlarging, restricting movement, or rubbing against clothing. Seek prompt care for pus, spreading redness, warmth, fever, bleeding that does not settle, or a rapidly changing lesion. Contact the treatment provider for severe pain, marked skin colour change, or delayed healing after a procedure.

Ask whether the scar is suitable for steroid injection, how many sessions might be considered, and what skin changes to watch for. Ask whether laser, cryotherapy, or surgery has a role and how recurrence would be managed.