Keloid – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments

Keloid – What it is, Symptoms and Treatments that many are unaware of. Also, Keloid occurs due to overgrowth of   scar tissue grows excessively. Risk factors include being of African, Asian, or Latino origin, being pregnant, and being under 30. Keloid scar treatments are not always effective. Keloids  are raised , red, pink or dark lesions and can occur in any area of ​​skin trauma. Because they are benign, non-contagious and painless, they are more of an aesthetic problem than a health problem in themselves.

When the skin is injured , fibrous tissue, called scar tissue , forms over the wound to repair and protect the injury. In some cases, scar tissue grows excessively, forming soft, hard growths called keloids . Keloids  can be much larger than the original wound . It is most commonly found on the chest, shoulders, earlobes and cheeks. However, Keloids can affect any part of the body.

While keloids are not harmful to your health, they can create cosmetic concerns.

Causes of Keloids: Most types of skin lesions can contribute to Keloid scarring . These include:

  • Acne scars ;
  • Burning;
  • Chickenpox scars ;
  • Ear piercing;
  • scratches;
  • Surgical incision sites;
  • Vaccination sites.

According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), an estimated 10% of people experience Keloid scarring . Men and women are equally likely to have keloid scars . Those with pigmented skin, such as African Americans, are more prone to Keloids .

Other Risk Factors Associated with Keloid Formation Include:

  • Have Asian heritage;
  • Be of Latin heritage;
  • Be pregnant;
  • Be under 30 years of age;

Keloids tend to have a genetic component, meaning you are more likely to have Keloids if one or both of your parents have them. According to a study conducted at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, a gene known as the AHNAK gene may play a role in determining who develops  keloids .

Researchers have found that people who have the AHNAK gene may be more likely to develop keloid scars than those who do not. If people know risk factors for developing keloids , they may want to avoid body loss, unnecessary surgery, or tattoos.

Keloid Symptoms: Keloid occurs through overgrowth of scar tissue . Symptoms occur at a site of previous skin injury.

Keloid Symptoms Can Include:

  • A localized flesh-colored, pink, or red area;
  • An area of ​​bumpy or bumpy skin that is usually raised;
  • An area that continues to grow scarred over time;
  • An itchy patch of skin.

Keloid scars tend to be larger than the original wound itself . They can take weeks or months to fully develop. While keloid scars can be itchy, they are generally not harmful to your health . You may feel discomfort, tenderness, or possible irritation from your clothing or other forms of friction.

In rare cases, you may experience keloid scarring over a significant amount of your body. When this occurs,  hardened and tight scar tissue can restrict your movement. Keloids are often more of an aesthetic concern than a health concern. You may feel self-conscious if the keloid is very large or in a highly visible location, such as an earlobe or face.

Sun exposure or tanning can discolor the keloid , making it a little darker than your surrounding skin. This can make the Keloid stand out even more than usual. Keep the scar covered when in the sun to prevent discoloration.

Keloid Treatments: The decision to treat a Keloid can be complicated. Keloid scarringis the result of the body’s attempt to repair itself. After removing the keloid , the scar tissue can grow back, and sometimes it grows larger than before.

Examples of Keloid Treatments Include:

  • Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation;
  • Moisturizing oils to keep tissue soft;
  • Using silicone gel pads or pressure after injury;
  • Freezing tissue to kill skin cells;
  • Laser treatments to reduce scar tissue ;
  • Radiation to Shrink Keloids .

Initially, your doctor will likely recommend less invasive treatments, such as applying silicone pads, dressings, or injections. These treatments require frequent and careful application to be effective. However, keloids tend to shrink and become smoother over time, even without treatment.

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In the case of very large keloids , surgical removal may be indicated. According to the Dermatology Online Journal, the rate of cheilotic scars returning can be high after surgery. Your doctor may recommend steroid injections after surgery to reduce the risk of the keloid returning .

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