Keloid is the abnormal and excessive growth of tissue on the skin in response to trauma, such as wounds, abrasions, surgical procedures, or any form of skin injury like tattooing or piercing.
Keloid differs from the normal process of wound healing. In areas where trauma has occurred, keloids appear as raised, firm, shiny, sensitive, and sometimes painful lesions.
Although keloids can develop anywhere on the body, they most commonly occur on the ears, chest, shoulders, and back. Factors such as genetic predisposition, skin type, the severity of the injury, and the location of the wound play a significant role in the formation of keloids.
The exact cause of keloid formation is not fully understood, but it typically results from skin damage due to abrasions, surgical operations, tattoos, piercings, or any other form of trauma to the skin. It is known that some individuals are predisposed to keloid formation.
Genetic factors may play a role, and susceptibility to keloid formation can be influenced by factors such as skin type, hormonal conditions, and age in individuals prone to keloids. Additionally, the occurrence of keloids may be more prevalent when existing skin injuries become infected or heal irregularly.
Keloids can occur in individuals with any skin type, but some people are more predisposed to forming keloids than others.
People prone to keloids include those from ethnic groups such as African and Asian populations, individuals between the ages of 10-20, those with a family history of keloids, during periods of hormonal changes such as adolescence, pregnancy, or menopause, and individuals who frequently experience skin damage and injury, such as from acne, cuts, or surgical procedures. Keloids are more commonly observed in individuals with thicker and darker skin types.
While a person may be predisposed to keloid formation, the likelihood of developing keloids can vary based on factors such as the location and severity of the injury, the risk of infection, and the individual's overall health.
Keloids are generally painless and primarily pose a cosmetic concern. However, sensitivity, itching, and discomfort may be experienced in the area where the keloid is present. In rare cases, symptoms such as pain and burning sensations may occur in the keloid.
While keloids are generally described as a uniform type, it is believed that there may be different subtypes. Here are some of them:
Keloid is a condition characterized by the excessive growth of tissue during the healing of a wound, resulting in the formation of a raised, thick scar.
Various methods are employed in the treatment of keloids; however, none of these methods may provide a definitive cure. Medications are available for this purpose, and these drugs can help stop or reduce keloid growth (such as steroids, 5-fluorouracil, and imiquimod).
A method used for freezing the keloid, which may lead to a reduction in size.
A method used in the treatment of keloids involving the use of lasers. This method is employed with the aim of reducing the size of the keloid and reshaping the skin. Laser treatment is typically performed under local anesthesia. Laser beams are applied slowly and in a controlled manner to the keloid and the upper layers of the skin. This application can reduce the size of the keloid. The duration of the treatment varies depending on the size and location of the keloid, and it may require several sessions. The success of the treatment can vary from person to person, and there is a possibility of keloid regrowth after this treatment.
A method used to prevent the regrowth of keloids, typically employed after a surgical procedure.
It can help make keloids less noticeable. The application of silicone onto the keloid is the method used. This can contribute to making the keloid less prominent. In surgical methods for keloid treatment, it involves the surgical removal of the keloid. After surgical removal, the possibility of keloid recurrence exists, so applying other methods post-surgery may help prevent keloid formation.
Medications used in keloid treatment are suitable for halting or reducing the growth of keloids. The most commonly used ones are corticosteroids, which act by stopping or reducing the growth of keloids. These medications are applied into the keloid and repeated at specific intervals. 5-fluorouracil, when used in keloid treatment, also works by stopping or reducing keloid growth.
Imiquimod is applied to the keloid at specific intervals. The use of these drugs depends on the size, location, and other factors of the keloid. Regular monitoring is necessary. Drug treatment alone may not be sufficient; it is more effective when used in conjunction with other treatments.
A keloid is an excessive growth and thickening of tissue that occurs during the healing process of a trauma on the skin's surface. Surgical methods are commonly employed in its treatment. Keloid surgeries are typically performed under local anesthesia. After sterilizing the keloid area, local anesthesia is administered, and the keloid area, along with the surrounding normal tissue, is excised.
The resulting surgical area is appropriately closed with suitable suture materials. Post-dressing, the patient is prescribed medications to expedite wound healing. Following keloid surgery, swelling, pain, and sensitivity may occur in the wound area. However, these symptoms typically diminish within a few days. Complete healing may take several weeks, during which regular care is provided to the wound area.
Intralesional steroid treatment is a commonly used method in keloid therapy. This approach aims to halt or reduce the growth of keloids by injecting steroids into the keloid region.
After sterilizing the keloid area in outpatient conditions, the goal is to stop or shrink the growth of the keloid by injecting steroids into it. This treatment is typically applied at specific intervals and may vary depending on the size and severity of the keloid.
Regular check-ups are crucial throughout the treatment period. Common side effects during this procedure may include pain, swelling, discoloration, and thinning of the skin. These effects are temporary and will subside after the treatment is completed. While steroid treatment is an effective method, its success depends on the size, shape of the keloid, and the individual characteristics of the patient.
There are various methods employed in the treatment of keloids, and the chosen method can vary based on the localization and size of the keloid. Consequently, the prices for the administered treatments can differ. These treatments may be used individually or in combination.
Keloid treatment is successfully administered by dermatologists, general surgeons, and plastic surgeons.
Generally, keloids do not go away on their own. They result from an excessive production of collagen following trauma to the skin, leading to abnormal tissue growth. Therefore, keloids are typically permanent. They do not naturally shrink or disappear over time. However, in some cases, keloids may gradually reduce in size or become less pronounced in color for certain individuals.
Keloids are excessive healing tissues seen as a result of skin trauma. Conditions that can be confused with keloids are often hypertrophic scars. These include:
Acne Scars: Scars from acne or pimples can resemble keloids but are generally smaller and appear flatter on the skin compared to keloids.
Dermatofibromas: Raised lesions with brown or black coloration. They are typically smaller and firmer than keloids. In some cases, individuals exposed to skin injuries may develop a reaction that resembles keloids but is smaller and less prominent. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis, as treatment approaches may vary depending on the specific condition.
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Prof. Dr. Sezai AydınGeneral Surgery Turkey
PROF. DR. SEZAI AYDIN
