Redness/Discolor

When I was younger I had numerous keloids on my shoulder and upper back which were successfully treated with cortisone.  Although the cortisone flattened all of the keloids it left numerous red areas on my shoulders and upper back in the areas where the keloids were.  None of these have faded on their own and I'm wondering if there's any kind of topical or other treatment that could remove or improve these discolored and red areas.  FYI, I am Caucasian.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Keloids can be red themselves, and cortisone shots can sometimes intensify the redness.  Creams don't help.  Lasers like the pulsed dye laser can help the redness without risking making the keloids worse.  You may want to look into that cosmetic form of treatment.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff