This article covers why keloid scars form and who is more likely to develop them.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet New Zealandwww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Keloid scars are seen 15 times more frequently in highly pigmented ethnic groups than in White people.
The scars are very rarely seen in people withalbinism.
Theearlobesand the back of the neck are also common sites.
Very rarely do keloids form on the eyelids, genitals, palms, or soles of the feet.
There does appear to be a genetic factor to keloid scarring as well.
If someone in your family has keloids, then you are at increased risk.
Another theory for why keloids form involvescollagenthe major protein in your skin that keeps it strong and supple.
Collagen plays a vital role in wound healing and scar formation.
Work is being done to identify the exact causes of keloids.
Knowing precisely what causes them will likely lead to better preventive medicine and more effective treatments in the future.
you might, however, assist the healing process by keeping any wounds clean.
The gel is clear and makeup can be applied over it.
The injections are given every four to six weeks as needed.
Another option combines surgery with radiotherapy.
Radiation interferes with skin growth (specifically cells called fibroblasts) and collagen production.
Research varies on which pop in of combination therapy is more effective.
It may be worth getting a second opinion before proceeding with either treatment.
While keloids can be treated with surgical removal or steroid injections, they are fairly likely to grow back.
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