Diagnosis and management of Auricular Lobe Keloid: A case report

Background: Keloid is an abnormal wound-healing process characterized by the formation of benign fibroproliferative tissue following trauma or injury. The auricular area is the most common area affected by keloid. Despite various treatments available, auricular keloid remains recalcitrant. Objective: To report a successful multimodal treatment of ear lobe keloid. Case Report: A 21-year-old male patient presented with bilateral keloids in the right and left earlobe areas sized 2 x 3 cm each. The keloid mass has been slowly growing for the last five months. He had a history of ear piercing in both ear lobes two years ago. The patient underwent bilateral keloid excision, followed by serial intralesional triamcinolone injections on days 3, 7, and 14 after surgery. The histopathological examination of resected tissue was also consistent with keloid tissue. Clinical question: What is the optimal management of auricular lobe keloid? Methods: We performed evidence-based literature reviews regarding optimal management of auricular lobe keloid. Result: Combination therapy is the most widely chosen treatment approach for auricular lobe keloids. This approach provides more aesthetic outcomes and lower recurrence rates than monotherapy. Conclusion: Surgical excision followed by serial intralesional triamcinolone injection is effective for managing auricular lobe keloid. Nevertheless, patients should be advised to avoid body piercing and elective cosmetic procedures to prevent the formation of keloids in the future.