Keloids
Keloids are scar tissue that overgrow, without knowing when to stop. They appear as firm, heaped-up lesions, raised above the level of the skin. They have a smooth, often skinny top, are irregular in shape and may be pink to purplish in colour. Often, they look rather unsightly, and whilst they are mainly a cosmetic problem for many, some people with keloid scars do experience itch or pain. Keloids should be differentiated from hypertrophic scars, which are raised scars that do not overgrow the boundaries of the original wound.
What Causes Keloids?
Abnormal signals at the cellular level, cause collagen, used in wound repair, to overgrow in the area of skin injury, producing a lump many times larger than the original scar. As to why keloids occur in some and not in others, is not really well understood.
Where Do Keloids Occur?
Keloids can develop anywhere where an injury to skin has occured. They may develop after a simple cut or scratch, as well as after burns injury or as a result of pimples. Keloids sometimes develop over surgical wounds. Keloids can also occur after body piercing, such as on the ear lobes.
Keloids fortunately rarely develop on the face, with the exception of the jawline.
How Are Keloids Treated?
The best treatment is really prevention of possible keloid formation in those who are predisposed. This would include avoiding unnecessary trauma, such as ear piercing, and early treatment of skin conditions such as acne, to reduce the risk of scar formation.
• Intra-lesional corticosteroid injections - often the 1st line therapy.
• Cryosurgery
• Radiation therapy
• Silicone gel sheeting
• Surgical excision
• Interferon alfa injections
• Laser therapy
The article above is meant to provide general information and does not replace a doctor's consultation.
Please see your doctor for professional advice.