Keloid Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
When a part of the human body experiences an injury or injury to the skin, there will be the formation of fibrous tissue called scar tissue on the injured part. Fibrous tissue is formed with the aim of repairing and protecting the injured area. In some cases, scar tissue builds up excessively and results in smooth, hard lesions known as keloids.
Keloid can be larger than the initial wound. This formation most often occurs on the skin on the chest, back, earlobes, or cheeks. However, keloids can occur on the skin of any part of the body. Although they do not have a significant health hazard, keloids can cause cosmetic problems for those who experience them.
Symptom
Keloids can result from excess growth of scar tissue. Signs and symptoms of keloids can include:
- Presence of a localized area that is red, pink, or the color of the skin
- There is a bumpy or raised area on the skin
- There is scar tissue formation in certain areas that gets bigger over time
- Itchy feeling on the skin
Keloids that arise are generally larger in size than the underlying initial wound. Keloids take about a few weeks to a few months to develop. Although keloids can be itchy, they are generally harmless. Even so, keloids can cause discomfort, pain, or irritation from clothing or other friction.
In a minority of cases, keloids can appear in various locations on the body. When this happens, scar tissue that is hard and stiff can restrict body movement.
In addition, keloids can cause cosmetic problems. People who experience it can feel uncomfortable if the keloid is large or located in a very visible place, such as on the earlobe or face. What’s more, sun exposure can make scar tissue appear darker than the surrounding skin, which makes keloids appear more prominent.
Reason
Most types of injuries to the skin can cause keloids, such as:
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Scarring from acne
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Burns
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Scar tissue from chickenpox
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Ear piercing wound
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Claw scars
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Surgical incision wound
It is known that about 10 percent of people have experienced keloid scarring, with an equal proportion of men and women. Those with darker skin tones also have a higher tendency to experience keloids.
It is also known that there is a genetic component involved in keloids. That is, a person has a higher chance of experiencing keloids if one or both of his parents have also had keloids.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of keloids can be made from a detailed medical interview and direct physical examination. The doctor will ask a number of things, including about the complaints that are felt or if there are family members who have similar complaints. A direct physical examination will also be carried out on the part of the body that has the lesion.
Treatment
Determining keloid treatment requires various considerations. This is because after removal, generally scar tissue can reappear. Often even bigger than before.
Several types of treatment options for keloids are as follows:
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Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
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Moisturizing to keep the tissue soft
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Use of pressure or gel pads after an injury
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Tissue coagulation therapy
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Laser treatment to reduce scar tissue
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Radiation to shrink keloids
When starting treatment, the doctor may recommend non-invasive treatments. For example, silicon pads, pressure dressings, or injections, especially when new keloids appear. Such treatments require regular and careful use to remain effective. However, keloids can generally shrink and return to deflate over time, even though they don’t get special treatment.
Prevention
People who have certain risk factors for developing keloids, for example, a history of family members with similar complaints, are advised to avoid intentionally injuring certain body parts. For example making piercings, body tattoos, and the like. If there is a wound, immediately tell the doctor about the history of keloids. So that the doctor immediately gives proper treatment to prevent keloids once the wound has healed.