Keloids
Dermatology Hair, Nails, Cankers, etc. Common Benign Skin Lesions




Keloids

John L. Bezzant,M.D.

Keloids are scars that extend beyond the site of the original entry, and can be treated with silicone gel or injected steroid. The steroids should be injected approximately every three to four weeks unless the keloid is very stubborn and can be injected on a weekly basis. It is best to start with about 20 mg per cc of Kenalog, and increase the dose by 10 mg per cc to a maximum dose of 40 mg per cc at monthly intervals if the keloid is not responding. Silicone gel should be applied and kept on the keloid at all times except when the person is bathing. The steroid reduces the production of ground substance, elastin, and collagen. The silicone gel is thought to increase the temperature of the skin and thereby increase the activity of collagenase within the skin.