Keloids (Cheloids)

A keloid also known, as Cheloid is a growth of raised fibrous scar tissue that forms over an area of the skin and extends beyond the area of the original injury. It is sometimes referred to as a keloid scar. It is irregularly shaped and has tends to enlarge progressively. In contrast to the ordinary scars, keloids do not subside over time.

Difference between a Keloid and a Hypertrophic scar

After the injured skin healed it usually leaves a flat scar. Sometimes the scar is hypertrophic, or thickened, but only confined to the margins of the healed wound. Hypertrophic scars often subside by themselves (a process which can take a year or more). Treatment such as injections of cortisone (steroids) can help to speed up the process.

Keloids, starts after the injury and extends beyond the wound margins. And sometimes it has a tendency to migrate into surrounding areas. Keloids usually appear following surgery or injury, but they also appear spontaneously as a result of some slight inflammation.

A hypertrophic scar looks similar to a keloid but they are common and they don’t get big like keloids and may fade with time. Hypertrophic occurs in all racial groups.

Keloid can be considered as benign tumor, but mainly an eyesore and cosmetic nuisance and never become malignant. Operating on a keloid stimulates more scar tissue to form, so people with keloids may have been told that there is nothing that can be done to get rid of it.

Causes

Keloids are usually seen on the neck, ear lobes, legs or arms, and on the upper trunk, especially the chest. Most people never form keloids; others develop them from minor injuries, even from insect bites. Colored skin people are more susceptible in forming keloids than fair skinned, and can affect both men and women.

Common causes of keloid forming are due to:

Cuts
Burns
Piercings
Acne pimples (on the chest area)

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

*    Pain
*    Itchiness
*    Redness
*    Unusual sensations
*    Pigmentation of the skin

Treatment

Keloids are very difficult to get rid of, but some people tried these remedies:

Collagen cream:
It is an OTC cream, can help in minimizing the scar effect over time

Compression:
Use a bandage or tape to apply pressure continuously for twenty-four hours a day (24hrs/day) for six to twelve months period. Compression can cause a keloid to become smaller.

For keloids that formed at the site of an ear piercing, a clip known as a Zimmer splint reduces keloid size by at least Fifty (50%) after one year of compression.

Some treatment suggestions include:

*    Laser
*    X-rays
*    Excision
*    Steroid injections.
*    Cryosurgery (freezing)

Prevention

You can help prevent keloids by treating skin injuries with care.

Do not pick at or scratch acne lesions, insect bites, and do not pierce your body

Keloids may be often be prevented by using a pressure dressing, silicone gel pad or paper tape over the injury site