Keloids Be Gone: The Powerful Impact of 5-FU and Kenalog Injections
Medically reviewed by: Dr Salinda Johnson
Published on: January 26, 2023
Keloids are raised, thick scars that can form after a wound or injury has healed.
They can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and can even restrict movement. There are a number of treatment options available for keloids, including 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and the combination of the steroid kenalog and 5-FU.
5-FU
5-FU is a chemotherapy drug that is commonly used to treat certain types of cancer, such as colorectal, stomach, and breast cancer. It works by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels, which can help to reduce the size of keloids. When used to treat keloids, 5-FU is typically administered as an injection directly into the keloid. The treatment may be repeated every few weeks for several months.
The exact mechanism by which 5-FU works to reduce the size of keloids is not fully understood. However, it is thought that the drug may inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts, the cells that are responsible for the formation of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. By inhibiting the growth of these cells, 5-FU may help to reduce the size and thickness of keloids.
One of the advantages of using 5-FU to treat keloids is that it is relatively non-invasive. The injections are usually well-tolerated, and there are few side effects associated with the treatment. However, some patients may experience pain, redness, and itching at the injection site. These side effects are usually mild and short-lived.
Another advantage of 5-FU is that it can be used in combination with other treatments, such as topical silicone gels, pressure therapy, and intralesional steroid injections. This can help to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment and improve the appearance of the keloid.
Kenalog
Kenalog, also known as triamcinolone acetonide, is a synthetic corticosteroid that is commonly used to treat a wide range of skin conditions, including keloids. It works by reducing inflammation and shrinking the size of the keloid. When used to treat keloids, Kenalog is usually administered as an injection directly into the keloid. The treatment may be repeated every few weeks for several months.
The exact mechanism by which Kenalog works to reduce the size of keloids is not fully understood. However, it is thought that the drug may inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts, the cells that are responsible for the formation of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. By inhibiting the growth of these cells, Kenalog may help to reduce the size and thickness of keloids.
One of the advantages of using Kenalog to treat keloids is that it is relatively non-invasive. The injections are usually well-tolerated, and there are few side effects associated with the treatment. However, some patients may experience pain, redness, and itching at the injection site. These side effects are usually mild and short-lived.
Another advantage of Kenalog is that it can be used in combination with other treatments, such as topical silicone gels, pressure therapy, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) injections. This can help to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment and improve the appearance of the keloid.
It is important to note that while Kenalog can be effective in reducing the size of keloids, it may not completely eliminate them. Additionally, the treatment may not be suitable for everyone, and a healthcare professional should be consulted to determine the best course of treatment for an individual case.
In conclusion, Kenalog injections can be an effective treatment option for keloids, as it can help to reduce the size of the keloid and improve its appearance. The treatment is relatively non-invasive and can be used in combination with other treatments for added effectiveness. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for an individual case, as the treatment may not be suitable for everyone.
The Science Behind 5-FU and Kenalog Combination Therapy
This combination therapy can help to shrink keloids and improve their appearance and removal of the Keloid. But what is the science behind this combination treatment?
The science behind the combination of 5-FU and Kenalog is that they target different aspects of keloid formation. 5-FU works by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels, which helps to reduce the size of the keloid. Kenalog, on the other hand, works by reducing inflammation and shrinking the size of the keloid. Together, these treatments can be more effective than either one alone.
When 5-FU is injected directly into the keloid, it works by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels. This is known as an anti-angiogenic effect, and it can help to reduce the size of the keloid by limiting its blood supply and slowing down its growth.
On the other hand, Kenalog is a steroid that is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, when it is injected into the keloid, it works by reducing inflammation and shrinking the keloid. Kenalog can also inhibit the activity of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen synthesis and wound healing. By reducing the activity of these cells, Kenalog can help to reduce the size and thickness of keloids.
The combination of these two treatments can be synergistic, meaning that the effect of the combination is greater than the sum of its parts. The 5-FU can help to slow down the growth of the keloid by limiting its blood supply, while Kenalog can help to reduce the size of the keloid by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the activity of fibroblasts.
The combination of these two treatments can also be used in conjunction with other treatments such as pressure therapy and silicone gel to further improve the appearance of keloids.
It is important to note that while this combination therapy can be effective, it may not completely eliminate the keloid and it may not be suitable for everyone, so a healthcare professional should be consulted to determine the best course of treatment for an individual case. The treatment may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results, and it may take several months to see the full effects of the treatment.
In conclusion, the combination of 5-FU and Kenalog is a powerful treatment option for keloids as it targets different aspects of keloid formation. By inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels and reducing inflammation, it can shrink the size of the keloid and improve its appearance.
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Our clinic is proud to offer the latest and most advanced treatment options for keloids, including the revolutionary combination of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) injections.
At The London Cosmetic Clinic, we pride ourselves on providing the highest standard of care and service to our patients. Our team of experienced and highly skilled medical professionals is dedicated to providing the best treatment options available to help you achieve your desired results.
So, if you are looking for an effective and proven treatment option for your keloids, look no further than The London Cosmetic Clinic. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards achieving the clear, smooth skin you deserve.
FAQs
Q: What is a keloid?
A: A keloid is a raised, thick scar that forms after a wound or injury has healed. They can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and can even restrict movement.
Q: What is 5-FU?
A: 5-FU (5-fluorouracil) is a minimal side-effect chemotherapy drug that is commonly used to treat certain types of cancer. It works by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessels, which can help to reduce the size of keloids.
Q: What is Kenalog?
A: Kenalog is a steroid that is often used in the treatment of keloids. It works by reducing inflammation and shrinking the size of the keloid.
Q: How does the combination of 5-FU and Kenalog work for keloids?
A: The 5-FU helps to inhibit the growth of new blood vessels while the Kenalog reduces inflammation and shrinks the size of the keloid. This combination of treatments can be effective in shrinking keloids and improving their appearance.
Q: How is the treatment administered?
A: Both 5-FU and Kenalog are usually administered as injections directly into the keloid. The treatment may be repeated every 3-4 weeks until the keloid completely disappears. Topical and local anaesthetic injections prior to the treatment will be administered in order to reduce discomfort and treat more thoroughly.
Q: Are there any side effects?
A: Although it’s not very common, there can be small chances of local side effects associated with these treatments as the injection is just locally at scar tissue, such as pain, discolouration, scabbing and indentation at the injection site. However, the side effects are usually temporary.
Q: Will the treatment completely eliminate the keloid?
A: While these treatments can be very effective to flat the keloids down completely, depending on the severity of the keloid itself there is a small chance Keloid could recur. It is important to consult with The London Cosmetic Clinic to determine the best course of treatment for an individual case.
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