[The treatment of keloids]

Abstract

Keloids are benign fibrous growths with characteristic clinical features, whose underlying pathogenic mechanisms are not fully understood. While numerous treatment approaches are available, there is little evidence for efficacy based on controlled clinical studies. Therapeutic results are often not satisfactory. The best approach employs multiple modalities appropriate for the stage of the lesion. Combining invasive methods such as cryotherapy, surgery, intralesional steroid injections, laser or radiotherapy with external or physical approaches has helped to optimize treatment efficacy. Newer clinical studies with intralesional substances such as interferons which may directly influence collagen metabolism show promising results; these substances may be valuable therapeutic additions.