Editing Scar (section)

=== Steroids ===
A long-term course of [[corticosteroid]] injections into the scar may help flatten and soften the appearance of keloid or hypertrophic scars.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Roques C, Téot L | title = The Use of Corticosteroids to Treat Keloids: A Review | journal = The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds | volume = 7 | issue = 3 | pages = 137–145 | year = 2008 | pmid = 18611924 | doi = 10.1177/1534734608320786 | s2cid = 9577277 }}</ref>

Topical steroids are ineffective.<ref name="ReferenceB">Jenkins M, Alexander JW, MacMillan BG, Waymack JP, Kopcha R. Failure of topical steroids and vitamin E to reduce postoperative scar formation following reconstructive surgery. J Burn Care Rehabil. 1986 Jul–Aug;7(4):309–312.</ref> However, [[clobetasol propionate]] can be used as an alternative treatment for keloid scars.<ref>{{Cite journal | title=A Randomized, Single-Blind Trial of Clobetasol Propionate 0.05% Cream Under Silicone Dressing Occlusion Versus Intra-Lesional Triamcinolone for Treatment of Keloid | journal=Clinical Drug Investigation | volume=37 | issue=3 | pages=295–301 | date=2016-11-25 | pmid=27888448 | last1=Nor | first1=N. M. | last2=Ismail | first2=R. | last3=Jamil | first3=A. | last4=Shah | first4=S. A. | last5=Imran | first5=F. H. | doi=10.1007/s40261-016-0484-x | s2cid=33614354 }}</ref>

Topical steroid applied immediately after fractionated {{CO2}} laser treatment is however very effective (and more efficacious than laser treatment alone) and has shown benefit in numerous clinical studies.