What Are Keloids and How Are They Treated?

Scar Treatment

By Emel Gerdaneri • Medical review by Ege Ozgentas, MD

Understanding, Preventing, and Treating

Every injury to the skin leaves a scar.This abnormal scar, that is, keloid , formed after the injury and its treatment options, Plastic Surgeon Ege Ozgentas MD explains:
Ege Özgentas, MD“It is a type of overgrown scar, or extremely aggressive healing that takes place in a wound.

In wounds such as a minor burn, cut, or abrasion, that form in response can form as part of the body's natural healing process.

In most cases, scars will usually shrink and fade over time, but in some people, the skin can overreact to the damage, resulting in scars that are much larger than the original wound.

Here are the scars that occur in this case. It is called keloid .

Thick and irregular scars rarely go away on their own. It requires treatment, and this can be difficult. Therefore, it is much more important to prevent the formation of it before treatment. 

Symptoms Of Keloids, What Do Keloids Look Like?

keloids on backIf you notice any of the following :

What are keloids?

It emerges slowly

May take 3 to 12 months or even longer before you notice starting to develop; most tend to occur within a year of the original skin injury.

It can spread rapidly

Sometimes they spread quickly and can triple in size in as little as a few months, for example.

It may itch

Your scar may be itchy, tender, or painful. These symptoms usually stop after the it develops.

Can be easily irritated

It tends to be easily irritated when rubbing against clothing.

There may be darkening

It gradually darkens. A keloid typically begins as a pink, red, or tan scar that darkens over time and appears darker than the skin around the wound.

Keloids Occur Most Often?

They can appear anywhere on the body. However, it is less common on the eyelids, genitals, soles or palms.

They often develop on the following parts of the body:

  • Ears

  • Neck

  • Shoulders

  • Chest

They should not be thought of only as a skin defect. Depending on the size of the scar and where it is on the body, it can affect your range of motion in that area of the body.

Physical symptoms such as pain or itching can impair psychological health and harm emotional health if noticed or felt to be unattractive.

How Are Keloids Diagnosed?

keloids on faceThey can be diagnosed by a doctor by checking the size, shape, and growth pattern.

Your doctor may also He or she may do a skin biopsy to rule out more serious conditions such as a type of connective tissue disease called scleroderma or lobomycosis , a fungal infection of the skin.

How Are Keloids Treated?

keloid scar treatment
Keloids usually do not need to be treated. However , if the keloid scar causes discomfort or prevents movement, treatment may be considered.

If the scar is large or very visible on your body, your doctor can help you find ways to reduce the size and prominence of the keloid .

There is no single treatment that works best for all keloids. Generally, it is useful to tailor the treatment to the individual based on factors such as age and keloid type.

Keloids are difficult to completely remove, and using more than one type of treatment often improves results.

Cryotherapy: This treatment, which gives the best results in small keloids , is freezing the keloid from the inside out.

Pressure Therapy: This is the wearing of a device or a special garment to apply pressure to the area and reduce blood flow to the area to prevent the keloid from regrowth.

While effective, this treatment, often used after surgery, can be difficult for many people.

Radiation Therapy: Low-dose radiation therapy after surgery can help prevent the scar from growing back.

Laser Treatment: This treatment uses high-energy light beams to reduce the size and lighten the color of the keloid.

Silicone Gels: These silicone-based treatments help smooth and reduce the size and color of scars.

Surgery: Surgery is often combined with other treatments such as corticosteroid injections or silicone treatments.

There are also drug options in the treatment of keloids.

Navigating Keloid Scars

Dealing with keloid scars can be challenging, but understanding the risk factors and available treatment options is key to managing and reducing their impact on your skin. In this blog post, we'll explore the basics of keloid scars, risk reduction, and treatment options.

Understanding Keloid Scars: These scars are an overgrowth of scar tissue that extends beyond the original wound. They can be caused by various factors, including body piercing, surgery, or even minor skin injuries.

Risk Factors: Several risk factors contribute to the development of scars, such as genetics, skin type, and the size of the wound. Individuals with a family history of keloid are at a higher risk.

Preventing Keloid Scars: Reducing the risk of developing keloids involves a combination of preventive measures. Avoiding unnecessary body piercing and minimizing skin trauma can significantly lower your risk.

Treatment Options:

1. Surgically Removing :

Surgically removing keloids is an option, but it comes with the risk of triggering further keloid formation.

2. 
Combination of Treatments:

A combination of treatments, including surgical removal, steroid injections, and laser therapy, may be employed to achieve optimal results.

Reducing Your Risk: Understanding your skin type, genetic predisposition, and actively avoiding unnecessary skin trauma are crucial steps to reduce the risk of development.

Skin Biopsy and Treatment Plan: If you are at high risk or notice abnormal scar development, a skin biopsy can help determine the type of treatment needed. A tailored treatment plan, considering the size and type of the it, is essential for effective management.

Relieving Symptoms: For those experiencing symptoms like itching or tenderness, various treatments can help relieve discomfort associated with keloid scars.

While these scars pose challenges, a proactive approach to risk reduction and a well-structured treatment plan can make a significant difference.

Consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial for personalized guidance and achieving the best possible outcomes in managing these scars.

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Written on 30/03/2022

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Last Update: 24/01/2024

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