Therapeutic methods and effect on keloid and hypertrophic scars: a systematic review

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Source: Frontiers Medicine

Original: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2026.1702697...

Published: 2026-03-11T00:00:00Z

A systematic review analyzed 162 studies focusing on the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars, which are fibroproliferative disorders with a high recurrence rate. The study examined a wide range of treatments, including topical corticosteroids, injection therapy with 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin, verapamil, surgical excision, cryotherapy, laser methods, and radiotherapy. Research has confirmed that combination therapies combining intralesional corticosteroids, surgical excision, laser modalities, and radiotherapy achieve better results than individual treatment approaches, particularly in reducing recurrence and improving patient prognosis. The study identified that self-treatment and inadequate treatment are the main risk factors for scar recurrence. Strategies aimed at inhibiting fibroblast growth are critical along with physical interventions. Although there is no universally accepted gold standard of treatment, corticosteroid and excisional therapies remain critical methods for evaluating new treatments. Technological developments are constantly expanding the available treatment options, including innovative approaches such as stem cells and RNA microneedles.