Efficacy of Punch Excision Combined With Superficial X-Ray for the Treatment of Keloids: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

This single-center retrospective study involving 60 patients aged 18 to 49 demonstrated that punch excision combined with superficial X-ray therapy significantly improves keloid conditions, as shown by a reduction in the Vancouver Scar Scale score from 9.43 to 4.50 after one year (p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction also increased, with notable reductions in pain and itchiness according to the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) 2.0 (p < 0.001). The treatment improved keloid characteristics such as color, stiffness, thickness, and irregularity, with minor adverse effects like hyperpigmentation and skin atrophy reported. The study concludes that this combination therapy is a less invasive, less painful, and more acceptable treatment option for keloids, though further prospective controlled studies are needed to compare its efficacy with traditional methods.