[Therapy of keloids]

Abstract

Keloids are benign fibrous growths that appear after surgery, trauma or "spontaneously" as a consequence of microtrauma in predisposed patients. Keloids are distinguished from hypertrophic scars in that keloids extend beyond the margins of the original wound and do not tend to regress spontaneously. Keloids are often associated with pruritus and pain and can lead to functional and cosmetic deformities. Keloids are a therapeutic challenge for the dermatologist; although multiple treatment options are available, a reliably effective approach with few side effects remains elusive. High quality research in evaluating keloid therapy is also lacking. This article summarizes the methods used for the treatment of keloids showing their advantages and disadvantages.