What Are Keloids and Why Do They Form?
Keloids are a type of raised scar that form when your body produces too much collagen during the healing process after a skin injury. Unlike regular scars, keloids grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound and can become hard, raised, and either darker or lighter than your natural skin tone. They can appear after surgery, acne, burns, or even minor cuts, and are more common in people with darker skin tones.
Keloids aren’t harmful to your health, but they can be uncomfortable or itchy, and for many people, they can be a source of self-consciousness—especially when they appear in visible areas like the chest, shoulders, or ears.
How Can Cortisone Injections Help?
One of the most effective and commonly used treatments for keloids is corticosteroid injections, with triamcinolone acetonide being the most widely used option. These injections work by:
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Reducing inflammation: Cortisone calms the overactive immune response at the site of the keloid, helping to slow down the fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen).
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Flattening the scar: By breaking down the excess collagen in the keloid, the raised, hard tissue gradually becomes flatter and softer.
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Limiting blood supply: Cortisone reduces the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) in the scar, which restricts the oxygen and nutrients that fuel the keloid’s growth—ultimately helping it shrink over time.
What to Expect from Treatment
Cortisone injections are typically administered every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the size and severity of the keloid. While keloids may not disappear completely, they can be significantly improved in appearance and texture. With consistent treatment, the scar becomes less noticeable, less itchy, and easier to manage.
The concentration of triamcinolone used can vary between 10 to 40 mg/mL, tailored to the specific needs of the patient and the size of the keloid.
Is Cortisone Right for You?
If you’re struggling with keloids—whether they’re recent or have been present for years—consulting a medical professional about cortisone injections may be your first step toward smoother, more comfortable skin. While no treatment guarantees complete removal, cortisone injections remain the gold standard in reducing keloid formation and improving scar appearance.
