How to get rid of small earlobe keloid? HELP!!

[tim341]

I'm a male with mixed skin type.I have a keloid on the front of my earlobe from a piercing that got infected about 7 years ago. When I took the piercing out it stopped growing. It's small and red, but really embarrassing. I'm thinking about going to the dermatologist to ask about cyrotherapy or steroid injections. When I first got  my keloid and asked my doctor about getting it removed he said there's nothing he could do. But I can't live with it anymore. Is cyrotherapy and steroid shots safe? And is there a chance my keloid could growing back? Or is there another method to have it removed? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I just want it gone because it makes me uncomfortable to be seen without wearing a hat... Also I don't ever plan on piercing my ear again.

[tim341]

I got the steroid shot today. How should I take care of my keloid while the shot is taking effect? Can I put merderma on it  or a gel pad?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
There are several treatment options available for the keloid treatment like mederma (allium cepa), natural treatments like mucin from the snail helix, moist wound dressings made of silicone gel which decreases the prominence of keloid scar over sometime, steroid injections, compression bandages, cryosurgery, and radiation & laser therapy. Surgery can also be done but the recurrence rate is up to 50% and the recurrent scar which develops is actually much bigger in size. Remember that no treatment is 100% effective in the case of keloids.  

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.