Minor skin procedures
Intralesional Injections for Keloids, Scars & Alopecia Areata
An intralesional injection delivers medicine directly into the affected skin. This places an effective dose exactly where it is needed, with much less effect on the rest of the body than tablets.
Conditions treated with intralesional injections
- Keloids and hypertrophic scars: raised, thick scars after ear piercing, acne on the chest or shoulders, surgery, burns or vaccination.
- Alopecia areata: round bald patches on the scalp, beard or eyebrows.
- Painful acne cysts and nodules, to help them settle quickly and reduce scarring.
- Thick, stubborn patches of psoriasis, lichen planus, prurigo and similar conditions.
- Nail psoriasis and other inflammatory nail conditions.
Medicines used
The most common medicine is a corticosteroid such as triamcinolone, which reduces inflammation and flattens thick scar tissue. For some keloids, it may be combined with other medicines, such as 5-fluorouracil, for a better response. The choice and strength depend on the condition, its location and your skin.
What to expect
- Assessment. Dr. Kiruthika examines the area and explains how many sessions are likely to be needed.
- Injection. The skin is cleaned and the medicine is injected with a very fine needle. It takes only a few minutes.
- Repeat sessions. Injections are usually repeated every 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the condition, until the desired improvement is reached.
Possible side effects
Mild pain at the injection site, temporary thinning, lightening or a slight dip in the skin. These are minimised by careful dosing and usually improve over time.
Keloids need a combined approach
Keloids tend to come back, especially if they are simply cut out. Injections work best combined with silicone gel or sheets and, for some areas such as earlobes, pressure devices. Avoid new piercings or tattoos if you are prone to keloids.
Why choose Skintillate
Intralesional treatment needs precise technique to work well and avoid side effects. Injections at Skintillate are given by Dr. Kiruthika, a dermatologist with a special interest in dermatologic procedures.
Frequently asked questions
How many injections does a keloid need?
Most keloids need a series of injections, usually 3 to 6 weeks apart, until the keloid flattens and softens. Larger or older keloids need more sessions. Dr. Kiruthika will review the response at each visit.
Do the injections hurt?
A very fine needle is used and the injection takes only a few seconds. Keloids can be firm, so you may feel pressure or a sting; a numbing cream can be applied beforehand.
Will my hair grow back with alopecia areata?
Many patches regrow hair with treatment, often within a few months. Alopecia areata can come back in new areas, and it can be treated again if it does.
Are steroid injections safe?
When given by a dermatologist in the right dose, intralesional steroid injections are safe and widely used. The main side effects are temporary thinning or lightening of the skin at the injection site, which is minimised by careful dosing and spacing of injections.