Steroids are extremely helpful in the treatment of hypertrophic and keloidal scarring in order to reduce the ‘bulk’ of the scar and in turn flatten the appearance and soften the scar tissue. Steroid treatment for scarring also helps to reduce symptoms such as itch and pain in hypertrophic / keloid scarring.
Steroid for scar treatment can be offered in one of three ways at The London Scar Clinic, via injection, tape or as part of a laser treatment course.
Steroid injection treatment is often administered as a course to take place typically every 3-6 weeks for a period of time determined subject to the scar characteristics. Steroid tapes can be worn continuously for a prescribed timeframe and a good alternative for those with needle phobias provided their scars are not extremely bulky.
Laser assisted steroid delivery is the most modern treatment of administration and involves either the injection or topical application of a steroid solution to a scar immediately after the laser has been used to the scar.
Steroids are commonly used to ease the symptoms of itch within keloid and hypertrophic scarring. The first 24-48 hours the itch may intensify before settling down and diminishing over time with further treatment.
Each scar is different and reacts to treatment at different rates however it is common to require on average three to six injections before the course is complete and a break is recommended. In certain cases, a course of tape may be recommended to maintain optimal results.
It is important to note that often this treatment needs to be undertaken as a course and can require an average of three to six injections. Many patients may need top up treatments every so often to keep up the benefits of the treatment.
