Pruritus in keloid scars: mechanisms and treatments

Abstract

Keloids occur after cutaneous injury and can cause distress due to physical appearance and associated symptoms such as pain and pruritus. Keloid-associated pruritus is a common manifestation and has negative impacts on quality of life. The mechanism underlying this type of pruritus is multifactorial and thought to involve small nerve fiber damage, neurogenic inflammation, and a Th2-predominant inflammatory response. Various agents have been shown to reduce keloid pruritus, including intralesional corticosteroids, botulinum toxin A, 5-fluorouracil, and bleomycin. Other treatment modalities such as cryotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are also effective. Future treatments targeting the mechanisms involved in keloid-associated itch could provide improvements in pruritus and quality of life in these patients, but further studies on the efficacy of these agents are needed.