Keloid scars are raised, thickened, and often itchy or painful scars that can develop after an injury or surgery. They occur when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process, resulting in an overgrowth of scar tissue that extends beyond the boundaries of the original wound.
Keloids can develop anywhere on the body, but are more common on the chest, shoulders, upper back, and earlobes. They may also develop in people with darker skin tones or a family history of keloids.
Treatment for keloid scars may include:
- Corticosteroid injections: These are injections of corticosteroid medication into the keloid to help reduce inflammation and flatten the scar.
- Silicone sheets or gels: These are placed over the keloid and help to soften and flatten the scar.
- Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen, which can help shrink the scar.
- Laser therapy: This involves using laser technology to reduce the size and thickness of the keloid.
- Surgical removal: In some cases, surgical removal of the keloid may be necessary, but there is a risk of the keloid returning or becoming larger.
- Radiation therapy: This is a less commonly used treatment, as it can increase the risk of cancer, but can be effective in reducing the size of keloids.
It’s important to work closely with a dermatologist to develop a treatment plan that works best for your specific case of keloid scars. It’s also important to be patient, as treatment may take several months to show results.