Keloid, pronounced "kee-loid" refers to a scar that has grown to extend beyond the borders of the original skin wound. A keloid may be many times larger than the original scar. Hypertrophic scars are keloid-like scars that do not extend beyond the original skin wound. Both are unsightly, may be itchy or painful and are not usually desirable. Interestingly, there are some people that induce keloids and hypertrophic scars for cultural or religious reasons.
Keloids can form for a number of reasons that may include body piercings such as earrings or umbilical rings or from body adornments such as tattoos. They may also form in surgical scars, scars from any type of skin injury and acne scars. Some keloids form without being provoked and these are referred to as spontaneous keloids.
Studies have regularly shown that keloids form more commonly in people of certain races. Keloids are more common in darker skinned individuals, black persons and Asian persons. In fact, darker skinned people are 15 times more likely to develop keloids than their lighter skinned counterparts. White persons and albinos are least affected. There is evidence for a genetic predisposition to keloid formation in certain individuals. The true cause of keloid formation is unknown, but they occur more commonly in wounds that are allowed to heal on their own without being sutured (second intention healing). Wounds subject to prolonged healing times are at higher risk and include burns, infections or excessively tight wounds. Areas of repeated trauma or inflammation such as body piercing sites are also at higher risk. Certain areas of the body, such as the chest, shoulders, deltoid region of the arm and the neck are more likely to develop a keloid or hypertrophic scar.
Fortunately, there is hope for people suffering from keloids and hypertrophic scars. There is much advancement that has been made although no single method has been determined through studies to work in all individual cases. While prevention by avoiding surgery in high risk body areas, individuals with a personal or family history of keloids and careful surgical technique is the best medicine, they cannot always be avoided. Interestingly enough, people who have only formed earlobe keloids are not necessarily at higher risk to form keloids elsewhere.
Dermatology and Laser Center of Charleston employs the most reliable treatment methods available combined with newer therapies that have shown promise in reports and studies. At times, one or more of our many lasers is used. Please contact our office by calling 843-556-8886 or by using our online contact form.
Click on images below to enlarge them in a new pop-up window
Dr. Schlesinger and our staff are members of the following organizations:
