Keloids

A keloid is a type of raised scar that occurs when the skin heals after an injury, such as a cut, burn, surgery, or even acne. Unlike normal scars, keloids grow beyond the original wound boundary and can continue to enlarge over time. They are often firm, smooth, and shiny, and can be pink, red, or darker than the surrounding skin.

Key Features of Keloids: Keloids appear as raised, thick, and irregular shapes that extend beyond the injury site.They feel firm and rubbery, sometimes itchy or painful. Common sites include chest, shoulders, earlobes, cheeks, and other areas that are prone to trauma. The keloids occur due to abnormal healing responses where excess collagen is produced.

Risk Factors: Genetic predisposition, darker skin tones, and certain body areas are more susceptible.

Treatment Options:

Corticosteroid Injections: Long acting steroid injections help in reducing the size and inflammation. Multiple sessions are needed depending upon the size of the keloid to be treated. Usually, the injections are spaced between 15 days to one month.
Surgery: Surgical removal may be done for certain keloids, especially earlobe keloids, though keloids can recur and become larger. Dermatologists use intralesional steroid and other immunosuppressant injections to minimise the chances of recurrence.
Laser Therapy: It helps flatten the keloid and reduce discoloration. Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatment is useful in reducing redness. It also helps to shrink and soften a vascular keloid.
Cryotherapy: Freezes the keloid tissue, especially effective for smaller ones. However risk of growing it back is high.
Silicone Sheets or Gels: It can help flatten and soften keloids over time.

Managing keloids often requires a combination of treatments, and preventing their formation (e.g., by avoiding unnecessary skin trauma) is ideal, especially in individuals prone to developing them.