Keloids are noncancerous, fibrous skin tumors. It rises above the skin and has a smooth appearance on the top. It is usually pink in color with irregular shape and the size increases gradually. The causes of keloids are often linked to injuries and do not get subsided like ordinary scars. It can also spread to the surrounding areas of the wound.
Also Read: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome | Diabetic Kidney Disease
Causes of Keloids :
Keloids can occur in both men and women. It is usually caused due to certain damages in the skin. The skin damages that can cause keloids are
- Chicken pox
- Acne
- Burns
- Cuts
- Chicken pox
- Body piercing
- Surgery
- Insect bites
- Vaccinations
- Tattoos
It can occur spontaneously in some people and even minor abrasions can cause the keloid to develop on the skin.
Symptoms:
It occurs mainly on the chest, back, shoulders and earlobes.
The color of the scar ranges from pink to red.
Raised, shiny, dome-shaped appearance
Some scars will be itchy and also painful to touch
Diagnosis:
Keloids can be diagnosed by the doctor or dermatologist. It is based on the location and appearance of the scar and its progressive time. A skin biopsy can be done for diagnosing and ruling out any malignant tumor.
Treatment:
Currently, there is no effective treatment to treat keloids. But there is a chance in regrowth of keloids after the removal. Sometimes, it can grow larger than before. Some of the treatments for Keloids are listed below
- Inflammations can be reduced by corticosteroid injections.
- The tissues can be softened with moisturizing oils.
- The skin cells can be killed by freezing the tissues.
- The scar tissue can be reduced by laser treatment.
- Radiations can be done to shrink the keloids.
Initially, less invasive treatments will be recommended to shrink and flatten the keloids. In the case of larger keloids, surgical removal is done by using steroid injections.