Keloids: Current and emerging therapies

Abstract

Keloids are pathological scars that grow over time and extend beyond the initial site of injury after impaired wound healing. These scars frequently recur and rarely regress. They are aesthetically disfiguring, can cause pain, itching, discomfort as well as psychological stress, often affecting quality of life. Many treatment modalities, including surgical and non-surgical, have been explored and have been reported to be beneficial; however, none have been absolutely satisfactory or optimal for the treatment of all keloid subtypes to date. This poses a major challenge to clinicians. Often, a combinational therapeutic approach appears to offer the best results with higher patient satisfaction compared to monotherapy. The aetiopathogenesis of keloids is not fully elucidated; however, with recent advances in molecular biology and genetics, insight is being gained on the complex process of scar formation and hence new therapeutic and management options for keloids. In this paper, we explore the literature and summarise the general concepts surrounding keloid development and review both current (corticosteroids, surgical excision, silicone-based products, pressure therapy, radiotherapy, cryotherapy, laser therapy, imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil) and emerging (stem cell therapy, mitomycin C, verapamil, interferons, bleomycin, botulinum toxin type A and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) treatments. Increased knowledge and understanding in this area may potentially lead to the discovery and development of novel therapeutic options that are more efficacious for all keloid types.

Lay Summary

Keloids are problematic scars that are difficult to treat and manage. The aetiopathogenesis of keloids is not clear; however, recent advances in molecular biology and genetics are beginning to shed light on the underlying mechanisms implicated in keloid scar formation which will hopefully lead to the development of treatment options for all keloid types. This review summarises current and emerging therapies.