title: Keloidal scars: a review with a critical look at therapeutic options.
abstract: Keloidal scars are abnormal scars of uncertain etiology with a predilection for certain racial groups. Although many articles have been published on the management of these scars, there are no definitive treatment protocols. Our objective was to examine the scientific quality of the literature on therapy for keloidal scars. There are many problems with the study designs of existing keloidal scar research. These include lack of consistent disease definitions and outcome measures, inadequate follow-up, and inconsistent therapeutic interventions. Suggestions are given for future studies.
authors.affiliation: Skin of Color Center, Department of Dermatology, St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY 10025, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Shaffer
authors.forename: Susan C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Fran
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cook-Bolden
mesh_terms: D017439:Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / Q000175:diagnosis; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007627:Keloid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries / Q000378:metabolism; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta