Visit a dermatologist to assess the extent of the scarring and to discuss options. Smaller scars may require less aggressive treatment than larger scars. The dermatologist may also perform a biopsy to rule out possible complications such as forms of cancer. True keloid scarring cannot be treated without a medical professional's assistance and should not be attempted as this may simply cause more scar tissue growth.
Steroid injections are used to slow the collagen formation in the scar. They are performed by injection a corticosteroid directly into the scar every three to four weeks over a period of approximately six months. This kind of treatment causes the scar to flatten over time, making it less noticeable. Patients who have a family history of keloids have a higher risk of the keloid returning.
Cryosurgery may be used alone or in conjunction with steroid injections. This process works best on small keloids, which occur on lightly pigmented skin. The doctor will freeze the keloid scar and remove it. This is often followed by corticosteroid injections at the site. The advantage to this method is the immediate result, as the scar tissue is physically removed. As with all keloid removal methods, however, there is the risk of the scar tissue's regrowth over time and the process may need to be repeated.
Surgical removal of a keloid followed by X-ray treatment is used in the most severe cases of keloid scarring. The American Osteopathis College of Dermatology reports that this method works in 85 percent of the most severe cases. This type of treatment is intense and expensive.
Compression dressings are used in conjunction with other treatments for keloids and will not cure a true keloid scar on their own. A pad or dressing is applied to the scar site and is reapplied every seven to 10 days over a period of several months. The pressure serves to flatten the keloid. This method is easily available to patients but has a slow success rate with less immediate results than other methods.