An Effective Approach for Treating Keloids and Patchy Hair Loss

Steroid injection is one of the effective methods for treating certain skin disorders such as keloid scars and patchy hair loss (Alopecia Areata). It aims to control inflammation and modulate the body’s immune response.

What is a Keloid Scar?
A keloid is a raised and firm scar that forms due to excessive skin repair following injuries such as cuts, surgeries, skin piercing, or even acne. Unlike normal scars, keloids tend to grow beyond the original wound boundaries and are often accompanied by itching or discomfort. Treating keloids is challenging, and one of the most effective approaches is intralesional steroid injection, which gradually reduces the thickness and size of the scar.

Patchy Hair Loss (Alopecia Areata)
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles, causing circular or oval patches of hair loss on the scalp or other parts of the body. This disease usually lacks severe inflammatory symptoms but can exert significant psychological stress on the individual. One of the most effective treatments to control the disease progression is steroid injection into the affected area, which can accelerate hair regrowth.

Intralesional Steroid Injection Technique
After a thorough clinical evaluation, the injection site is determined and the appropriate dose of steroid medication (usually Triamcinolone) is diluted with a specific amount of Lidocaine to minimize patient discomfort. This mixture is then injected directly into the lesion using very fine needles. The procedure is outpatient and does not require general anesthesia.

Number of Sessions Required:
In most cases, 2 to 4 treatment sessions spaced four weeks apart are recommended, but this number may vary depending on the severity of the lesion and the body’s response to treatment.

Additional Notes:

• After injection, mild and temporary redness or swelling at the site may be observed, which typically resolves within a few hours to a day.
• Massage of the injection area should be avoided during the first 24 hours.
• Regular follow-up and treatment adherence play a decisive role in treatment success.

Key Points at a Glance

• Session duration: About 10-15 minutes per session
• Number of sessions: Typically 2 to 4 sessions, spaced 4 weeks apart
• Suitable for: Individuals with keloid scars and patchy hair loss (Alopecia Areata)
• Results visible: Gradual improvement in scar size and hair regrowth after several sessions
• Duration of effect: Maintenance sessions may be required depending on response
• Recovery time: Minimal; possible mild redness or swelling resolves within 24 hours
• Not suitable for: Patients with active infection at injection site or steroid contraindications

Every scar is a reminder that you survived. Healing doesn’t make you weaker — it makes you stronger.
— From the film Stronger