Keloids are abnormal scars that happen when the body’s healing process becomes overly active. Unlike typical scars that gradationally fade and flatten over time, keloids tend to grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound and can be raised, thickened, and often discolored. They may invoke discomfort, itchiness, and self-consciousness in affected individuals.
This article will help you understand the causes, treatment options, and keloid scar removal techniques that we undertake.
Causes of Keloid and Keloid Scars
Keloids are a type of scar that can form when fibroblasts produce excessive amounts of collagen in response to a skin injury. This excessive collagen production is thought to result from an overreaction by these cells. The exact cause of keloids is not fully understood, but several factors contribute to their development. These include the following:
Genetic Predisposition: Keloids tend to run in families, suggesting an inheritable component. Certain men and women may have an inheritable predisposition to developing keloids, making them more susceptible to their formation.
Skin Type: People with darker skin tones, similar to those of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent, have an advanced threat of keloid conformation compared to individuals with lighter skin tones. This suggests that melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, may play a part in keloid development.
Crack Type and Position: Keloids can develop after any type of injury or trauma to the skin, similar to surgical lacerations, burns, acne, vaccinations, piercings, or, indeed, minor cuts and scrapes. Certain body areas, such as the chest, shoulders, upper back, and earlobes, are more prone to keloid conformation.
Hormonal Factors: Hormonal imbalances or changes similar to those occurring during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, may contribute to keloid conformation. This is supported by the observation that keloids tend to occur more constantly in individualities during ages of hormonal change.
Inflammatory Conditions: Inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, can increase the threat of keloid conformation. The tenacious inflammation associated with these conditions may disrupt the normal mending process and lead to the conformation of keloids.
Diagnosis of Keloid and Keloid Scars
If you suspect that you have a keloid, it is important to seek medical attention from a dermatologist. At Acne Freedom Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating such a condition.
During your appointment, we take into account your medical history and carefully examine the keloid or keloid scar. Our team assesses its size, shape, and growth pattern to determine the best course of action for you.
In some cases, we may also perform a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. When performing a skin biopsy, a tiny tissue sample is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. This can help rule out other conditions, such as nodular scleroderma, connective tissue disease, or lobomycosis, a fungal skin infection.
Keloids tend to be stubborn and resistant to typical treatment approaches, even if they are surgically removed. They may come back if not treated right.
Seeking professional guidance has helped our patients explore various options to reduce the odds of keloid recurrence after in-clinic treatment to improve their overall quality of life.
Areas of Keloid and Keloid Scars
Keloids can develop anywhere on the body, but there are certain regions where they are most commonly found. Below are a few areas where keloids often occur:
- Earlobes
- Chest and Shoulders
- Upper Back
- Neck
- Joints
- Abdomen
However, keloids may form in other areas of the body as well. Mainly where the skin has been injured or experienced trauma. Additionally, keloids can vary in size and shape, ranging from small raised bumps to larger, extensive scars. They often have a shiny, smooth surface and can be red, pink, or dark brown in color.
Treatment – Keloid Removal
At our dermatology practice, we understand that dealing with keloids can be challenging. Furthermore, we consider each individual’s unique nature and recognize that keloid treatment requires a personalized approach. Our dedicated team is committed to working closely with you to effectively reduce the size and prominence of your keloids.
We prioritize delivering professional care and exceptional results. While complete removal of keloids can be challenging, our comprehensive range of treatment options is designed to provide you with the best possible outcome. Our experienced dermatologists will carefully assess your keloids and tailor a treatment plan specifically for you, taking into account factors such as the size, location, and characteristics of your keloids, as well as your medical history and personal preferences.
Keloid Treatment Options
At Acne Freedom Clinic, we offer a range of keloid treatment options to address your distinctive needs. Let’s explore some options:
- At our clinic, we use the cryotherapy method to freeze the keloid from the inside out. It is particularly effective for small keloids, as the freezing can penetrate and treat the tissue in smaller areas. We often combine cryotherapy with corticosteroid injections to enhance the results, which reduce inflammation and prevent keloid regrowth after the freezing treatment.
- Pressure therapy involves applying pressure to the keloid area using a specialized device or clothing. By reducing blood flow, pressure therapy can help treat keloids. However, if you wonder whether constant pressure on the skin may cause discomfort, rest assured. Our team guides the patient through the process and addresses any concerns.
- As a surgical keloid treatment, radiation therapy involves removing the keloid and using low-dose radiation to prevent the scar tissue from regrowing. This process requires careful administration of the appropriate radiation dosage and closely monitoring the patient’s progress throughout the treatment.
- Laser therapy is a commonly used option to reduce the size and lighten the color of keloid scars. We often combine this treatment with other therapies, such as corticosteroid injections or pressure therapy, to achieve optimal results.
- We offer silicone–based treatments, such as gels and patches, that can effectively flatten and minimize the size and color of keloid scars. These non-invasive options can be incorporated into a personalized treatment plan for maximum effectiveness.
- Another keloid treatment option is a ligature procedure, where a surgical thread is tied around the keloid to cut off its blood supply. This allows the keloid to fall off naturally. Our team assesses whether this approach is suitable for the specific case.
- Surgery is also an option, depending on the type of keloid. Surgical removal of keloids is typically used with other treatments because keloids have a high chance of regrowth after surgery. If required, we work closely with our patients to create a comprehensive treatment plan that combines surgery with other effective modalities.
Medication for Keloid Scar Removal
In addition to non-medication treatments, we provide medication options that can contribute to effective keloid scar removal.
One medication option we offer is corticosteroid injections. These injections are administered directly into the keloid, targeting inflammation and narrowing blood vessels. By doing so, they can alleviate common symptoms like itching, swelling, and tenderness, providing relief and promoting scar reduction.
Another medication we utilize is fluorouracil, a chemotherapy drug with proven effectiveness in removing keloid scars. When combined with corticosteroids, it enhances the reduction of keloid size and visibility. Fluorouracil works by inhibiting the excessive production of collagen, a protein that contributes to keloid formation. We typically apply fluorouracil topically to the affected area, ensuring a targeted approach.
It is crucial to emphasize that medication options may not yield the desired results for all individuals with keloid scars and may be accompanied by potential side effects. Consequently, it is strongly advised that individuals seek consultation with our experienced team to determine the most appropriate and effective course of keloid treatment for their specific case.
In conclusion, dealing with keloids can be challenging, but it does not have to be faced alone. Seeking the expertise of a dermatologist is crucial in finding the most effective and personalized treatment options for keloid management.
At Acne Freedom Clinic, our team specializes in keloid treatment. We understand keloids’ physical and emotional impact and are dedicated to helping individuals regain their confidence and quality of life.
Don’t let keloids control your life. Take the first step towards scar reduction and improved well-being by scheduling a consultation with us.
Reference links:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-88789-1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6828900/
https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/keloids/
