Recurrence is frequently seen in patients within 2 years of keloid removal. Because of the recurrence problem, patients with small keloid scars are usually given symptomatic treatment to reduce itching or pain, and keloid growth suppression may be attempted by cryotherapy, special pressure dressings or laser treatments. These can be ineffective, making keloids a constant burden on patient’s everyday lives.
Despite the seriousness of the problem, keloid research lags behind that for other similar skin disorders. Part of the difficulty is that there aren’t many resources available for research; but RAFT has a large historic keloid cell bank, which means new treatment methods can be tested in the laboratory.