Free ConsultKeloids: How to Care for Yourself and Prevent Them
A keloid is a skin problem that occurs when scar tissue grows abnormally and spreads beyond the boundaries of the original injury, forming a raised lump on the skin. Keloids commonly develop after surgery, ear piercings, or even acne. This article explores the causes of keloids, treatment methods, and prevention strategies.
What Is a Keloid?
A keloid is a type of scar that forms when fibrous tissue at a wound site grows abnormally and expands beyond the area of the original wound. It is the result of the body's healing process overshooting what is needed, producing scar tissue that is raised and firmer than the surrounding skin.
Appearance and Symptoms of Keloids
Keloids typically appear as raised lumps on the skin, red or purple in colour, and sometimes pink or dark brown. They can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the chest, back, shoulders, and ears, and may itch or feel painful in some cases. Keloids usually develop after surgery, ear piercings, tattoos, or even acne.
Causes of Keloids
Keloids form when the body produces excess collagen during the wound-healing process. Collagen is the protein responsible for repairing and rebuilding the skin, but when it is overproduced, it creates fibrous tissue that protrudes above the skin's surface.
People with a genetic predisposition to keloids are at high risk of developing them after wounds or surgery. Although the exact cause of keloids is not fully understood, they are believed to involve an abnormal response in the wound-healing process.
Managing Keloids
Although keloids are difficult to treat, several treatment options can help reduce their size and prominence, including:
- Steroid injections: reduce inflammation and soften the keloid
- Silicone sheets or gel: cover the keloid to reduce its prominence and firmness
- Laser treatment: helps reduce the size and colour of the keloid
- Surgery: for large keloids that do not respond to other treatments
Understanding the nature of keloids and how they form helps those affected manage the condition and find the most suitable treatment.
Keloid Treatment
Keloids are challenging to treat because they tend to recur after treatment. Choosing the right approach depends on the size and location of the keloid, as well as previous treatment history. These are the main treatment options used for keloids:
1. Intralesional Corticosteroid Injection
Steroid injection is the most common treatment for keloids. A corticosteroid is injected directly into the keloid tissue to reduce inflammation and soften the tissue. Injections may need to be repeated every 4-8 weeks until the desired result is achieved.
2. Silicone Sheets or Gels
Silicone sheets or gels have been shown to be effective at reducing the prominence of keloids. Regular use softens the scar and makes it less visible. Silicone works by increasing hydration and may help regulate collagen production.
3. Laser Therapy
Laser treatment can help reduce the size and redness of keloids, particularly pulsed-dye lasers, which coagulate the blood supply within the keloid tissue and reduce inflammation.
4. Surgical Removal
Surgery may be considered for large keloids or keloids that have not responded to other treatments. However, keloids have a high chance of recurring after excision, and adjunct treatment after surgery may be required to prevent regrowth.
5. Radiation Therapy
Radiation is an option for large keloids or after surgical removal to lower the chance of recurrence. It is effective but may carry long-term side effects.
Keloid treatment can take a long time and requires ongoing care. It is important to consult a dermatologist or medical specialist to plan the right treatment and evaluate results regularly.
Preventing Keloids
Keloids are hard to treat once they have formed, so prevention is key — especially for people with a genetic tendency to develop them. These are the key prevention strategies that can reduce the risk of keloid formation:
1. Proper Wound Care
- Treat wounds promptly and appropriately to prevent the inflammation that can lead to keloid formation
- Cover wounds with clean dressings and use antiseptic creams or solutions to reduce infection
2. Use Silicone Sheets After Surgery
- For post-surgical wounds, regular use of silicone sheets over the wound may help prevent keloid formation. Silicone sheets maintain moisture and allow the wound to settle naturally
3. Avoid Piercings or Tattoos in High-Risk Areas
- Avoid tattoos or piercings in areas prone to keloids, such as the chest, back, ears, and shoulders
4. Careful Medical Technique
- When surgery is needed, techniques that minimise stress on the wound — such as suturing methods that keep tension on the wound as low as possible — may help reduce keloid formation
5. See a Doctor at the First Sign of a Keloid
- If a new keloid starts to form or a wound looks abnormal, consult a doctor immediately to begin treatment before the problem spreads or grows larger
Keloid prevention matters most for people with a genetic tendency or a history of keloids. Recognising the risk and acting appropriately can effectively reduce the chance of keloids forming or recurring.
Understanding keloids and managing them correctly can significantly reduce their impact and improve quality of life for those who face this condition.
