The Use of Corticosteroids to Treat Keloids: A Review

Mechanisms for keloid formation include drastic changes in growth factor actions, collagen turnover, mechanical forces applied over the skin, and genetic and immunologic contributions. The use of corticosteroids to manage keloids increases basic fibroblast growth factor production while decreasing transforming growth factor-β1 production by human dermal fibroblasts, endogenous vascular endothelial growth factor, and insulin-like growth factor-1. The use of corticosteroid injections is, to date, the core treatment available for the management of excessive tissue production in scars. Currently, the most effective and safe regimen for keloid management appears to be the use of corticotherapy—injection of intradermal steroids after a surgical excision.