Treating Pediatric Keloids: A Case Study of an 11-Year-Old Girl with a Right Ear Scar

Jul 29

By: Dr. Caroline Vaughn

Keloid scars are notoriously challenging to manage—especially in pediatric patients. At Village Dermatology, we provide individualized care for children and adolescents dealing with scarring issues that affect both physical comfort and self-esteem. In this blog post, we explore the case of an 11-year-old girl from Katy, Texas who came to us for treatment of a recurrent keloid scar on her right ear.

Patient Overview

This young patient was seen in our dermatology clinic as a new patient, accompanied by her guardian. Her chief complaint was a scar on the back of the right earlobe, previously identified and treated as a keloid. It had been surgically removed once before and treated with intralesional Kenalog (ILK) injections, but the keloid had returned.

What Is a Keloid?

A keloid is a type of raised scar that grows beyond the boundaries of the original wound due to an overactive healing response. Keloids can occur after ear piercings, surgical procedures, acne, or even minor injuries—especially in individuals with a genetic predisposition.

In this case:

Location: Right posterior earlobe
Severity: Moderate and visibly enlarging
Symptoms: Currently asymptomatic but concerning due to recurrence

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Treatment Plan

After a careful examination using a dermatoscope and discussion with the family, we proceeded with intralesional steroid treatment to reduce the keloid’s size and prevent further growth.

✅ Intralesional Kenalog Injection (ILK)

Medication: 40 mg/cc of Kenalog
Volume Injected: 0.1 cc
Injection Site: Right posterior earlobe
Goal: Flatten the scar and reduce inflammation

Patient Counseling Included:

The risks of skin atrophy from steroid injections
A clear explanation of follow-up plans and options if the scar does not respond, including surgical revision with post-op ILK or radiation therapy (XRT)

What Happens Next?

The patient was instructed to return in 1 month for reevaluation. If the keloid does not improve with intralesional steroid treatment, we will consider surgical excision followed by adjunct therapy to minimize recurrence.

Expert Pediatric Dermatology in Katy and Houston, Texas

At Village Dermatology, we take a compassionate and comprehensive approach to pediatric skin concerns, from common rashes to complex scarring. Keloid scars in children can be both physically and emotionally distressing, and we’re here to offer safe, evidence-based treatments that work.

📍 Now accepting new patients in Katy and Houston, TX
📞 Call us today to schedule an evaluation for pediatric scars or skin lesions

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