KELOID, WHY AND SOLUTION.

Introduction

A keloid is a raised area caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue can develop in or around a piercing. It is also calledhypertrophic scar.

2.What are the causes of Keloids?

Keloids can form after skin procedure /injuries from:

1. Surgical wounds (C section, Appendectomy)

2. Trauma

3. Acne

4. Burns

5. Chickenpox

6. Ear piercing

7. Minor scratches

8. Vaccination sites

Keloids is more common in people ages 10 to 20, and in African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics. Keloids often run in families!

3. What are the Symptoms?

A keloid may be:

1. Flesh-colored, red, or pink

2.Located over the site of a wound or injury

3. Lumpy (nodular) or ridged

4.Tender and itchy

5.Irritated from friction such as rubbing on clothing

6. Painless

7.A keloid will most times tan darker than the skin around it if exposed to sun during the first year after it forms.

8. The darker color may not go away.

4. What Exams and Tests are needed ?

Basically this can be diagnosed by physical examination. Your doctor will look at your skin to see if you have a keloid. 
A skin biopsy may be done to rule out other types of skin growths (tumors).

5. What are the treatment options?

Normally Keloids often do not need treatment. Majority of them are harmless. The risk of transformation to cancerous growth is almost zero. However for aesthetic and cosmetic reasons if the keloid bothers you, the following things can be done to reduce the size:

♧ Corticosteroid injections ( Strictly done by a qualified specialist doctor).

♧ Freezing (cryotherapy)( Strictly done by a qualified specialist doctor)

♧ Laser treatments (Strictly done by a qualified specialist doctor)

♧ Radiation (Strictly done by a qualified specialist doctor)

♧ Surgical removal (Plastic Surgeon only)

♧ Silicone gel or patches (Strictly done by a qualified specialist doctor)

FYI... Evidence shows many of these treatments can cause a larger keloid scar to form.
So, if its not broken, why trying to fix it? Let the keloids be!

6. #So, what is the Outlook (Prognosis) of Keloids?

Most times keloids usually are not harmful to your health but they may affect how you look. In some cases, they may become smaller, flatter, and less noticeable over time.

7. When do I Contact a Medical Professional?

Oh, well, If you are bothered and need to take any of the treatment options

Call your health care provider if:

■ You develop keloids and want to have them removed or reduced

■ You develop new symptoms

■ The keloid is transforming, (Itching, bleeding, increasing in size, changing colors)

What can I do to Prevent Keloids?

Consider the following tips

1. When in the sun, cover a keloid that is forming with a patch or Band-Aid

2. Always use a sun block.

3. Repeat the above mentioned tips/ steps for at least 6 months after injury or surgery for an adult or up to 18 months for a child.

4. There are some creams like Imiquimod that can be used to prevent keloids from forming after surgery, or returning after they are removed. Consult with your doctor in this regard for availability in your location.

Thank you.