Keloids are thick, raised scars that often hurt and change skin color. Doctors usually inject triamcinolone acetonide to shrink them. But this treatment can thin the skin or cause discoloration. A new analysis of four trials looked at adding vitamin D to the mix. The results show a clear trade-off between how well the scar looks and how safe the skin stays.
Triamcinolone acetonide was far more effective at improving scar severity and flattening the lesion. Patients receiving this steroid saw better results on standard medical scales. However, vitamin D injections were linked to a much lower risk of skin thinning and unwanted color changes. This safety benefit matters for people worried about side effects or scars in visible areas.
The study combined data from four trials to reach these conclusions. While the findings suggest vitamin D is safer for the skin, the overall evidence base remains limited. Doctors should weigh the strong benefits of the steroid against the potential for skin damage when choosing a treatment plan.