acne,keloids and hypertropic scars

[aryaunfettered]

My query is this:

1) I have a very ugly looking keloid on my shoulder. I've paid umpteen visits to the doctor and each time he suggested the same thing-- apply Contractubex gel. But this hasn't been of any use and it doesn't make sense to spend 600 bucks on a 20g ointment which does not show promising results. I've heard of this thing called "silicone sheet". Will it be helpful to give it a try? Do you have any other suggestions??

2)My brother has multiple hypertropic scars on his shoulders. The doc has told him to take Isotretinoin capsules twice a day and apply Contractubex along with that. He complains of various side effects as a result of taking the capsules and there hasn't been any improvement in the appearance of his scars. What do you suggest??

3)Acne. It's the worst thing to happen to anyone. Both my brother and I suffer from it and we've been prescribed very many ointments and tablets. I am 23 and my brother is 18.
I've been given Minolox (which I found pretty effective), but the minute I discontinue it's use, the acne flares up. The acne occurs in the form of lesions esp in and around the chin. I took Minolox for 5 months and the results were good. But the acne keeps coming back. My doc has now told me to take Aziwok (azithromycin) tablets thrice a week and discontinue Minolox.
The ointments show very little improvement if used alone. It's only if it's accompanied by tablets do they show any results.
I've been prescribed Deriva, Nadoxin, Clear gel, Brevoxyl, Retino A, and Clindac A till date.
What is your advice? Is there any other way to get rid of acne? Please help.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

'No single therapeutic modality is best for all keloids.

The location, size, and depth of the lesion; the age of the patient; and the past response to treatment determine the type of therapy used.

Prevention is key, but therapeutic treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids includes occlusive dressings, compression therapy, intralesional corticosteroid injections, cryosurgery, excision, radiation therapy, laser therapy, interferon therapy, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), doxorubicin, bleomycin, verapamil, retinoic acid, imiquimod 5% cream, tamoxifen, tacrolimus, botulinum toxin, and other promising therapies such as transforming growth factor (TGF)–beta3, and recombinant human (rh) interleukin (IL)–10 (rhIL-10), which are directed at decreasing collagen synthesis. '

You should consult a skin specialist and decide about the further management plan after a complete clinical examination.

You could read more about this at the following links -

http://www.emedicine.com/DERM/topic205.htm

and

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keloid

Let us know about how you are doing and if you have any other doubts.

Regards.

[Realistic2]

I agree, severe acne is one of the worst things that can happen to you esp if you have a keloid prone skin like mine.
I have managed to get my acne under control using tretinon. This is the only thing that has worked for me.I have humongous acne kinda like boils adn they wouldnt go. Spent thousands took all kinds of medication to no avail.
For the keloids, my doctor gives me cortisteriod injections. I started once once a month now I go once every other month or so. Gotta keep the growth under control. Its the hand we've been dealt have to make life work somehow.
I hope you get something that works for you.