Recent Developments in the Use of Intralesional Injections Keloid Treatment

Abstract

Keloid scars are often considered aesthetically unattractive and frustrating problems that occur following injuries. They cause functional and cosmetic deformities, displeasure, itching, pain, and psychological stress and possibly affect joint movement. The combination of these factors ultimately results in a compromised quality of life and diminished functional performance. Various methods have been implemented to improve keloid scars using both surgical and non-surgical approaches. However, it has proven to be a challenge to identify a universal treatment that can deliver optimal results for all types of scars. Through a PubMed search, we explored most of the literature that is available about the intralesional injection treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids and highlights both current (corticosteroid, 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin, interferon, cryotherapy and verapamil) and future treatments (interleukin-10 and botulinum toxin type A). The reference lists of retrieved articles were also analysed. Information was gathered about the mechanism of each injection treatment, its benefits and associated adverse reactions, and possible strategies to address adverse reactions to provide reliable guidelines for determining the optimal treatment for particular types of keloid scars. This article will benefit practitioners by outlining evidence-based treatment strategies using intralesional injections for patients with hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Novel Insights on Understanding of Keloid Scar: Article Review

“…30 It also exhibits antibacterial and antiviral activities. Bleomycin can be used as intralesional injections.…”

Verapamil as Alternative Treatment in Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

“…As in any injection in connective tissue, the patient may experience pain at the injection site and recurrence in variable rates (less than 50% of cases). It is important to mention that other therapeutic options such as interferon, bleomycin, 5-FU and steroids have shown higher incidence of adverse effects [21,22] (Table 1).…”

Mechanism of Action, Efficacy, and Adverse Events of Calcium Antagonists in Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids

“…They may be a reasonable and safe alternative to corticosteroid injection for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. 15,25 The literature on this subject is relatively sparse and many studies are limited by small patient cohorts. Given these limitations within the literature, it has been difficult to make evidence-based decisions weighing the potential side effects against the benefits of treatment with a calcium channel blocker.…”