Keloid
What
are Keloids?
Keloids are single or multiple dense, thick nodules, typically found at
areas of previously injured skin (burns, lacerations), or they may
arise spontaneously on normal skin. Over weeks to months, these nodules
can become painful, tender, itchy (pruritic), and grow to become very
large. .
Keloid in Post pelvic surgery scar
Who's
at risk?
Most patients start developing Keloids in their 20s. Keloids are most
frequent in blacks and individuals of Mediterranean ancestry, but they
can appear in people of any race.
What
are the signs and symptoms?
Keloids are usually seen on the neck, ear lobes, legs or arms, and on
the upper trunk, especially the chest. They frequently follow the lines
of injury. Spontaneous keloids are common on the mid-chest. Keloids are
smooth and shiny, firm to the touch, red, hyperpigmented or
skin-colored nodules. Keloids may develop claw like projections that
extend beyond the area of injury.
What
are the treatments your physician may prescribe?
Seek medical evaluation if keloids become bothersome or symptomatic.
Keloids are extremely difficult to treat, but your doctor may try the
following:
Topically
applied silicone sheeting.
Pressure
or "clip-on" earrings for ear lobe keloids
Inflamed
keloids often respond to steroid injections near the site.
Freezing
(cryosurgery) plus steroid injections.
Surgery
plus radiation therapy to the affected area. Surgical removal of
keloids may lead to the keloid coming
back larger than it was before the excision.
Laser
therapy with a pulsed-dye laser to actively expanding lesions.
Other
injectable agents, such as interferon alpha and gamma.
