Investigation of recurrence rates among earlobe keloids utilizing various postoperative therapeutic modalities

Keloids of the earlobe pose a complex management problem. They are relative ly common sequelae of trauma or irritation to the skin of the earlobe, and usually appear in predisposed individuals as benign, smooth, globular outgr owths on one or both sides of the earlobe. Depending on their size, depth, and duration, a number of treatment approaches have been developed and appl ied over the years with varying degrees of success. Unfortunately, no singl e therapeutic modality has proven to be 100% efficacious. A retrospective a nalysis of 24 patients with clinically and histologically documented earlob e keloids was undertaken. In addition, a review of the literature on earlob e keloids was conducted. Surgical excision of keloids with one dose of intr aoperative intralesional steroid resulted in no recurrence in 80% of patien ts at a mean follow-up of 31 months. The addition of radiation to this comb ination resulted in a recurrence-free rate of 100%. Postoperative pressure therapy , used alone, though claimed to be effective, did not show much ben efit. However, patient compliance with this therapeutic modality was poor.