This image displays a red, firm keloid (scars that continue to grow) on the earlobe. This image displays keloids from acne scars. This image displays keloids on the earlobe. Keloids can appear bright red and inflamed. A keloid usually occurs at a trauma site, such as a scratch, overgrowing beyond the area of damage.
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Keloid  A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Picture of Keloid: This image displays a red, firm keloid (scars that continue to grow) on the earlobe. Divider line
This image displays a red, firm keloid (scars that continue to grow) on the earlobe.
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Treatments Your Provider May Prescribe
Keloids are extremely difficult to treat, but your doctor may try the following:
  • Some keloids respond to topically applied silicone sheeting.
  • There has been some success in treating small earlobe keloids with pressure or use of "clip-on" earrings.
  • Inflamed keloids often respond to steroid injections near the site. There is a risk of thinning of the skin (atrophy) with steroid injections.
Alternative therapies include:
  • Cryosurgery (freezing) plus steroid injections.
  • Surgery plus local radiation therapy; surgical excision of keloids is inevitably fraught with the possibility of the keloid recurring in larger size than before the excision.
  • Laser therapy with a pulsed dye laser to actively expanding lesions.
  • Other injectable agents, such as interferon alpha and gamma.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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