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- $Unique_ID{BRK02337}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{What Can Be Done About Ugly Scars?}
- $Subject{skin special procedure procedures scar scars keloid keloids cheloid
- cheloids keloidosis cheloidosis cicatrix dermatologist x-ray laser therapy
- steroid medicine corticosteroids epidermis}
- $Volume{L-20,P-20}
- $Log{}
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- Copyright (c) 1992,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- What Can Be Done About Ugly Scars?
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- QUESTION: A recent operation has left me with an ugly looking scar, which my
- family doctor has named a "keloid". I would like to get rid of it, if it is
- possible. What can be done to remedy this situation and what type of doctor
- can help me?
-
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-
- ANSWER: Let's take the last part of your question first. To begin with, you
- may need to consult a dermatologist (often called a skin doctor) and you need
- to be treated by one who is experienced in the use of x-ray and laser therapy.
- In some cases, particularly keloid scars about the face, the skills of a
- plastic surgeon may be required. Your family doctor is the first person to
- consult as he/she can help you readily locate the proper specialist.
- Unfortunately, all treatments of keloids up to this time have been less
- than perfect. But don't be disheartened, the treatments can, and do, help to
- correct the unsightly conditions. Among the newer treatments are those
- including the removing of the scars with a special type of laser surgery, plus
- daily applications (to the keloids) of a high-potency steroid-containing
- medicine, injections of corticosteroids into the scar itself, and/or low-doses
- of x-ray treatments to the keloid.
- That entire series of treatments takes about four to eight weeks.
- Additional treatments may be required for as long as two years.
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-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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-