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Radiofrequency combined with intralesional steroids effective as keloid treatment

Combined treatment with radiofrequency tissue volume reduction and intralesional steroid injection was effective for patients with keloids, according to study results.

Researchers in Egypt studied 18 patients (mean age, 32.78 years; 61.1% male) with skin phototype 2 to 4 and keloids located at the head and neck (mean duration of lesions, 3.1 years). The patients were treated with three to four sessions of radiofrequency followed by intralesional steroid injection. Assessment of scar volume and both objective and subjective parameters was performed at baseline, 4 months and 5 years from the final treatment session.

After a three to four sessions, patients experienced a mean volume reduction of 95.4% in all lesions (P = .001). Keloid pliability, height and erythema showed significant reduction when compared with baseline (P < .001). There was also a reduction in subjective symptoms reported by patients, including itching, pain and tenderness, compared with baseline (P<.001). Pain, infection or bleeding was not reported following the radiofrequency procedure.

Study limitations included a small sample size and lack of a control group, the researchers reported.

“[Radiofrequency tissue volume reduction] combined with [intralesional] steroid is … an easy procedure with acceptable cosmetic outcome and less rate of recurrence,” the researchers concluded. “Further studies comparing this modality with other treatment modalities (especially [intralesional] steroids alone) are recommended to enforce the preliminary results.” – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.