Keloid
Overview of Keloid
Keloid or keloid disorder is the overgrowth of scar tissues on the injured area. Normally, these scar tissues are formed to protect the wound. But If these scar tissues overgrow, it results in hard keloid (انگور نشان زدہ نسیج کا زیادہ بڑھاؤ) formation. They’re usually formed on the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and cheeks. But keloids can develop on any part of the body. Although keloids don’t cause any harmful effects but can create cosmetic and appearance concerns.
Occurrence of Keloids
Keloids are developed only in humans and occur in 5-15% of wounds. As per studies, about 10% of people experience keloid. It occurs equally in both sexes (men and women). Black people are more prone to keloids as compared to others.
Signs and Symptoms of Keloid
Some common symptoms of a keloid include:
- A localized area that is flesh-colored, pink, or red
- An itchy patch of skin
- A lumpy or ridged area of skin that’s usually raised
- An area that continues to grow larger with scar tissue over time
- Discomfort, tenderness, or possible irritation from clothing or other forms of friction.
Types of Keloid
Causes of Keloid
Keloid scarring can be due to different types of skin injuries such as:
- Acne scars
- Burns
- Scratches
- Chickenpox scars
- Vaccination sites
- Ear piercing
- Surgical incision sites
Risk Factors of Keloid
Some risk factors related to keloid formation include:
- Pregnant
- Asian descent
- Younger than 30 years of age
- Latino descent
- Genetics
As per genetic studies, the AHNAK gene may be involved in keloid formation. People having this gene are more likely to develop keloid scars as compared to those who don’t have these scars.
Some risk factors related to keloid formation include:
- Pregnant
- Asian descent
- Younger than 30 years of age
- Latino descent
- Genetics
As per genetic studies, the AHNAK gene may be involved in keloid formation. People having this gene are more likely to develop keloid scars as compared to those who don’t have these scars.
Prevention
You can prevent keloid by following ways:
- After ear piercing, take good care of it to prevent keloid formation. If you notice thickening at your earlobe, immediately remove the earring and use pressure earrings.
- To prevent keloid after surgery, tell your surgeon before about past keloid. After knowing this, the surgeon may reduce the chances of keloid formation after surgery.
- You can avoid skin thickening from turning into a keloid by wearing pressure garments. A dermatologist may help you with a pressure garment.
- Before tattoo, body piercing, or other cosmetic surgery try a test spot. It will tell you about your skin’s ability to heal. If the test area starts to be thickened you can stop it to prevent keloid formation.
Take good care of your wound by following the wound-care tips.
Diagnosis
Keloids diagnosis is performed by your doctor or dermatologist (skin specialist). Diagnosis is based on:
- Location of Scar
- The appearance of the scar
- Progression time
- Physical Examination: Your doctor will do a physical exam and inquire about your personal and medical history. It is necessary to rule out other conditions.
- Skin Biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out any possibility of skin cancer.
Treatment of Keloid | When to Consult a Doctor
Following is the list of treatments for keloid
Home Treatments:
Before seeking medical care try home remedies for treatment. Some of the home remedies for the treatment of keloid are:
-
Moisturizing Oils: These oils are easily available online. The use of moisturizing oils helps to keep the tissues and skin soft. These oils may reduce the scar size before they get worse. might help reduce the size of the scar without making it worse.
-
Healing: Keloids tend to self-heal by reducing in size without treatment.
Hospital Treatment
Initially, when the scar is new one your doctor may recommend less-invasive treatments, such as
- Silicone pads
- Pressure dressings
For these treatments to be effective, frequent, and careful application is required. The scars will take 3 months to be healed completely.
Keloids Surgery
Surgical removal is recommended if the keloid scars are big and older. After surgery, the chances of scar returning are higher. But surgical removal is the best process for keloid removal.
- Cryosurgery: Cryosurgery is the most effective surgical method for the removal of keloids. It is also known as cryotherapy. In this process, the keloids are frozen with liquid nitrogen.
Your healthcare may recommend you post-surgery corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and chances of keloid returning.
Keloids Laser Treatment:
- Laser treatment is recommended for certain types of keloids. This treatment breaks the keloid and surrounding tissues with high beams of light. As a result, the skin becomes smooth and tone in appearance.
But in some cases, keloid can worsen after laser treatment due to increased scarring and redness.
Doctors to treat Keloid in Pakistan
- Doctors to treat Keloid in Lahore
- Doctors to treat Keloid in Kasur
- Doctors to treat Keloid in Karachi
- Doctors to treat Keloid in Islamabad
- Doctors to treat Keloid in Multan
- Doctors to treat Keloid in Rawalpindi
- Doctors to treat Keloid in Peshawar
- Doctors to treat Keloid in Faisalabad
- Doctors to treat Keloid in Bahawalpur
- Doctors to treat Keloid in Abbottabad