Keloid intralesional corticosteroid injection is a medical treatment specifically designed to manage keloid scars, which are raised, thickened areas of skin that develop as a result of abnormal wound healing and excessive collagen production. In this procedure, a healthcare professional injects a corticosteroid medication—most commonly triamcinolone acetonide—directly into the keloid tissue.
The corticosteroid works in several ways:
- Decreasing inflammation: Keloids often become red, swollen, and tender due to ongoing inflammation. Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents that help calm this response within the scar tissue.
- Inhibiting excessive collagen production: Keloids form when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process. Corticosteroids slow down the activity of fibroblasts—the cells responsible for making collagen—thereby limiting further growth and thickening of the scar.
- Promoting the breakdown of collagen: In addition to reducing new collagen formation, corticosteroids encourage the breakdown and resorption of existing collagen, helping to soften and flatten the keloid over time.
This treatment is typically administered in a series of injections spaced several weeks apart. Over multiple sessions, patients often notice that their keloid scars become less raised, softer to the touch, and lighter in color. While this approach can significantly improve the appearance and symptoms of keloids, it may not completely eliminate the scar, and recurrence is possible. Sometimes, corticosteroid injections are combined with other therapies for optimal results.