Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process. A scar results from the biologic process of wound repair in the skin and other tissues. Most wounds, except for very minor ones, result in some degree of scarring.
Keloid Scars are the result of an overgrowth of dense fibrous tissue that usually develops after the healing of a skin injury. The tissue extends beyond the borders of the original wound, does not usually regress spontaneously, and tends to recur after excision.
The treatment of Keloidal scars has been frustrating over the years, due to their tendency to frequently recur after excision, sometimes in a larger size.
For the past several years, an immunomodulator, IMIQUIMOD (“Aldara”, “Zyclara”) has been found to be very effective as an adjuvant to excision followed by intralesional Kenalog Injection (a Steroid) or just alongside Kenalog, without prior excision.
Alternatively, one can use the Fractionated CO2 Laser to enhance the penetration of the Imiquimod followed by injection of Kenalog. In mild cases, a silicone patch or gel, applied multiple times, can occasionally be helpful.
For treatment of