What Is the First Line of Keloid Treatment?
What Is the First Line of Keloid Treatment? This is one of the most common questions asked by people struggling with raised, thick scars that extend beyond the original wound. For individuals exploring Keloid Treatment in Dubai, understanding the correct starting point is essential for effective and safe scar management. At Dynamic Clinic in Dubai, patients frequently seek early intervention options to control keloid growth before it worsens, highlighting the importance of choosing the right first-line approach from the beginning.
Understanding Keloids and Why Early Treatment Matters
Keloids are overgrowths of scar tissue that develop after skin injury such as acne, burns, surgical incisions, piercings, or minor cuts. Unlike normal scars, keloids continue to grow beyond the original wound boundaries. They may appear firm, shiny, and raised, and can cause itching, discomfort, or tenderness.
In Dubai’s climate, where sun exposure is high, untreated keloids may darken and become more noticeable due to increased pigmentation. Early treatment helps:
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Prevent further enlargement
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Reduce itching and inflammation
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Improve cosmetic appearance
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Minimize long-term complications
Prompt intervention improves outcomes and lowers the risk of recurrence.
The First Line of Keloid Treatment: Corticosteroid Injections
The globally recognized first line of keloid treatment is intralesional corticosteroid injections, most commonly using triamcinolone acetonide. This method is widely recommended by dermatology guidelines because of its effectiveness and safety profile.
How Steroid Injections Work
Corticosteroids are injected directly into the keloid tissue. They work by:
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Reducing inflammation
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Suppressing excessive collagen production
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Softening and flattening the scar
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Relieving itching and discomfort
Injections are typically administered at intervals of several weeks. Gradual improvement is expected over multiple sessions, depending on the size and thickness of the keloid.
Why Steroid Injections Are Preferred as First-Line Therapy
Corticosteroid injections are considered the primary treatment for several important reasons:
1. Clinically Proven Effectiveness
Steroid injections have decades of clinical data supporting their use in flattening keloids and improving symptoms.
2. Minimally Invasive
Unlike surgical removal, injections do not involve cutting the scar, which reduces the risk of stimulating new keloid formation.
3. Suitable for Most Skin Types
Dubai’s diverse population includes individuals with varying skin tones, many of whom are more prone to keloid formation. Steroid injections are generally safe across different skin types when administered properly.
4. Can Be Combined with Other Therapies
If necessary, steroid injections can be combined with other treatments such as silicone therapy or laser sessions for enhanced results.
Additional First-Step Supportive Treatments
While corticosteroid injections are the main first-line medical treatment, some supportive measures may also be introduced early, especially for small or newly forming keloids.
Silicone Gel or Silicone Sheets
Silicone-based products are often recommended in the early stages of scar formation. They help by:
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Hydrating the scar tissue
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Reducing collagen buildup
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Softening raised scars over time
These are non-invasive options and are frequently used alongside steroid therapy.
Pressure Therapy
In certain cases, pressure dressings or garments may be used, particularly after surgery or injury, to prevent abnormal scar growth.
Treatments That Are Not First-Line
Understanding what is not considered first-line therapy is equally important.
Surgical Removal Alone
Surgery is generally not recommended as an initial treatment because cutting a keloid without additional therapy can trigger even larger regrowth. If surgery is performed, it is usually combined with steroid injections or other adjunctive treatments to reduce recurrence risk.
Laser Therapy as a Standalone Option
Laser treatments can improve color and texture but are typically not the first step unless combined with steroid injections.
Who Should Seek Early Evaluation?
Individuals in Dubai should consider early consultation if they notice:
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A scar growing beyond the original injury
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Persistent itching or discomfort in scar tissue
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Thickened, shiny, or rubbery skin at a wound site
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Family history of keloids
People with darker skin tones have a higher predisposition to keloid formation, making early professional assessment especially important.
Importance of Professional Assessment in Dubai
Keloids can resemble hypertrophic scars, but treatment approaches may differ. Accurate diagnosis ensures the correct first-line strategy is applied.
When seeking Keloid Treatment in Dubai, patients benefit from evaluation that considers:
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Scar age and size
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Location on the body
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Skin type and medical history
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Previous treatment attempts
Customized planning improves response rates and reduces unnecessary procedures.
What Results Can Be Expected from First-Line Treatment?
With proper steroid injection therapy:
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Keloids typically become flatter and softer
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Symptoms like itching decrease
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Color may gradually improve
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Scar thickness reduces over time
Complete disappearance is not always possible, but significant improvement is achievable in most cases when treatment begins early and follows a structured plan.
Conclusion
The first line of keloid treatment is intralesional corticosteroid injections, supported by clinical evidence and dermatological guidelines worldwide. For individuals considering Keloid Treatment in Dubai, early intervention with steroid therapy offers a safe, minimally invasive, and effective way to control abnormal scar growth. When combined with proper assessment and supportive care, this approach helps manage keloids successfully while reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
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