KELOIDS: A REVIEW OF THE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

Abstract

Introduction: The scarring process is the physiological response to injury and trauma to the skin. Changes in the healing process can trigger the formation of hypertrophic and keloid scars. Keloid can be defined as a benign tumor, corresponding to an excess in the production of collagen, leading to aesthetic and physical complications. Although it usually occurs after skin injury, the occurrence of spontaneous keloids has also been reported. The main symptoms of keloids are pain, itching and aesthetic discomfort. Such aesthetic discomfort caused by keloids may often lead the individuals to demonstrate psychological symptoms and even disrupt their social life. The etiology of keloids is not fully understood, with a higher incidence in blacks and Orientals. Its pathophysiology is based on an increase in fibroblast proliferation. Regions of the body such as the chest, shoulders and earlobes are more prone to developing keloids. Places such as eyelids, scrotum, plantar and palmar regions are less likely to develop keloids. Materials and Methods: Searches were conducted on databases addressing keloid therapy and the main treatment methods currently used were identified. Results: The treatment of keloid scars is complex and difficult; among the options for treatment are: surgical treatment, use of intralesional corticosteroids, cryotherapy, radiotherapy, use of laser, silicon-based products, pressure therapy, use of 5-fluorouracil, among others. The combination of several methods is used in clinical practice with increased efficacy, but no method is completely effective. Conclusion: New studies are needed to improve the pathophysiological understanding of the disease as well as to increase the therapeutic alternatives currently employed. DESCRIPTORS Cicatrix. Acne Keloid. Treatments.