Dexamethasone Mesotherapy: An Alternative for Keloid Treatment in Hispanic Skin

Abstract

Summary: The incidence of keloids in individuals with skin of color is as high as 16%. Intralesional steroid injection is recommended as a first-line treatment, even though the outcomes are often suboptimal. Histologically, the keloid epidermal layer is thicker than in normal skin, and the vascular density is higher in the marginal area at subepidermal level due to the elevated expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. Dexamethasone significantly suppresses this proangiogenic cytokine compared with Triamcinolone. We report the case of a 32-year-old phototype VI man with a 6-month-history of a keloid on the dorsum of his right hand that caused functional and cosmetic morbidity. We performed an intralesional injection of dexamethasone using a mesotherapy technique, that led to significant shrinking and complete recovery of range of motion after two sessions, with no regrowth at the 1-year follow-up. Mesotherapy is a safe and easy technique used in cosmetic medicine, which allows for a slower diffusion of dexamethasone and prolongs its pharmacological action, reducing the risk of local side effects. This technique has the potential to be standardized, but its main drawback is the need for proper sedation. Randomized clinical trials are required to further evaluate the clinical efficacy of dexamethasone mesotherapy.