Keloids
Keloids
Keloids are a form of your body’s exhuberant reaction to injury, result in hypertrophic growth of scar tissue which overgrows the boundaries of the initial injury. Keloids are usually harmless and can occur on any part of the body but are seen in higher incidence at the earlobules, chest, shoulders or where there are surgical scars. They can be unsightly especially if they occur in highly visible areas of the body.
Keloids are often characterised by the following symptoms, including:
- Flesh-coloured, pink or red localised area of formation
- Lumpy or ridged skin
- Scar tissue that continues to grow
- Itchy patch of skin
Keloids can be caused by a variety of reasons such as:
- Acne scars
- Ear piercing sites
- Scratches
- Surgical wounds
- Vaccination sites
Although keloids can happen to anyone, you may be at a higher risk of developing them if you happen to be of Asian or Latino descent or have a family history of keloid formation.
The most common treatment method of existing keloids is a minor surgery to remove the lesion, accompanied by postoperative adjunctive methods like laser treatment or intralesional steroid treatments.
