A skin cancer treatment is now helping keloid patients keep the painful scars from coming back

A treatment originally developed for certain types of skin cancer is now being used to help prevent keloids—thick, raised scars that often return after removal—from coming back. At Pinnacle Dermatology in Birmingham, Dr. David Spurlin uses GentleCure, a low-energy radiation therapy, on patients like Mikayla Hill after surgical removal of keloids to stop overactive scar cells from regrowing. The procedure involves minimal discomfort and downtime, and patients report significant improvements in comfort and self-esteem. Keloids disproportionately affect people with darker skin tones and can cause physical and emotional distress.