Customer Question: What is a keloid scar?
Pharmacist's response:
A keloid scar is a thick, usually well-visible, and raised scar. It can appear anywhere skin damage occurs, but it usually occurs on the ears, shoulders, cheek, or chest area. If you are prone to developing keloids, you may get them in more than one place.
Image: a keloid scar formed in the abdomen.
A keloid scar is not harmful to your physical health, but often the problem is that it is mainly the appearance that is problematic, which can often cause emotional distress. Therefore, prevention or early treatment is critical.
Treatment of keloid scars is possible. If you don't like the look or feel of a keloid, talk to your doctor about how to remove it or visibly improve its appearance. Unfortunately, the visibility of a keloid and its treatment often takes one year or even more, and the common problem is that it frequently recurs even after its elimination.
Symptoms of keloid scars
Did you know that a keloid scar can form within a few months to years after the injury?
Signs and symptoms may be as follows:
- a thick, irregular-looking scar, usually on the ear lobes, shoulders, cheeks, or often in the center of the chest
- shiny, lumpy, and lifted hair-free skin
- spots of different sizes, depending on the size of the original injury and when the keloid stops growing
- sites of various textures, from soft to firm areas, usually unpleasant in appearance
- reddish, brown, or purple spot, depending on skin color
- itch
- discomfort
Risk factors
Risk factors for keloid formation include:
- Skin color - brown or black skin. Keloids are most common, especially in people with brown or black skin. The reason for this tendency is unknown.
- Personal or family history of the formation of keloids (keloids can appear in families where this tendency to form such scars is inherited). If you have had one keloid, you are at risk of developing others.
- Suppose you are under 30 years old. Keloids mostly appear between the ages of 20 and 30.
Prevention of the formation of keloids, scars
If you are prone to developing keloids, follow these preventive tips:
- If a wound occurs, take good care of the scars. The damage should be clean and moist; gently wash the treated area with mild soap and water. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline or another suitable ointment. If necessary, apply the cream during the day. Your doctor may recommend using a pressure pad or silicone gel pad on the wound while it heals. Adults must take these preventive measures six months after skin damage, and children up to 18 months.
- If, after piercing the ears, you put earrings on the earlobes that put pressure on this area, this helps to prevent the formation of keloids.
- Protect your skin from damage. Try to avoid skin damage. For example, consider avoiding body piercings, tattoos, and elective surgeries. Even minor injuries - such as ingrown hairs, cuts, and scratches - can stimulate the growth of a keloid.
If you decide to have surgery, talk to your doctor about your tendency to develop keloids. The surgeon can use techniques that reduce the risk of keloids forming at the scar site. After surgery, consult your doctor about post-operative care and follow the instructions carefully.
Interesting reading: Cream for scars - after surgery
Interesting reading: Silicone gel for scars
