What are Keloids?

Keloids are the raised scars that form when your body produces too much scar tissue during healing.

Unlike normal scars, keloids continue to grow over time, sometimes developing months or even years after the initial skin injury. If you notice changes in a healing wound or an old scar, it could indicate a keloid is forming.

Currently, the exact cause of keloid formation remains unclear.

However, it is believed to result from a dysfunction in your wound-healing process. Even after your original wound has healed, your body continues to produce collagen, causing an excess buildup at the site of your wound. In the end, this accumulation of unwanted collagen leads to keloid formation.

Typically, keloids can develop after various types of skin injury, including:

• Body piercings (especially ear piercings)
• Cuts or surgical incisions
• Burns
• Acne or chickenpox scars
• Deep wounds (e.g., puncture wounds)
• Tattoos
• Minor scratches or insect bites

How to Tell if a Keloid Scar Is Forming?

Risk Factors of Keloids

Diagnosis of Keloids

For most cases, keloids are typically diagnosed by a dermatologist clinically, without the need for further tests.

However, if there’s any doubt about the diagnosis, a skin biopsy may be performed.

During this procedure, the affected area is numbed with a local anaesthetic, and a small skin sample is taken and sent to the lab. Through microscopic examination using the lab equipment, the pathologist confirms the presence of keloid tissue.

Once a keloid is confirmed, your dermatologist will develop a personalised treatment plan based on your keloid’s size, location, and medical history.

Treatments of Keloids

Keloids can be challenging to treat, and often, a combination of treatments works best. Here are some common treatments:

Indeed, navigating these keloid treatment options can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

At Island Hospital, our dermatologists are always here to support and guide you every step of the way.

Book an appointment today to discuss a personalised keloid treatment plan tailored to your needs!

How Can I Prevent Keloids?

While it’s not always possible to completely prevent keloids, especially if you’re prone to them, there are several ways you can employ to reduce your risk:

1. Monitor Healing Wounds
   Watch for signs of skin thickening, which could indicate keloid formation. If you notice any changes, seek immediate dermatological attention.
2. Avoid Unnecessary Skin Injuries
   If you’re keloid-prone, consider avoiding elective cosmetic procedures, tattoos, and piercings, as keloids typically develop after skin injuries.
3. Practise Proper Wound Care
   Clean wounds immediately with mild soap and water. Avoid drying the wound with alcohol or iodine, as this can lead to irritation and inflammation.
   After cleaning the wounds, keep the area moist by applying sterile petrolatum gauze or hydrogel dressings.
   Remember to change the dressings daily and handle the wound gently to avoid excessive scrubbing, as this can cause micro-injuries that may disrupt the healing process.
4. Use Silicone-Based Products
   These products can serve both as treatment and prevention for keloids, helping to improve scar appearance and prevent further growth.
   For more details on how these products work, explore the section on Treatments of Keloids.
5. Consider Pressure Therapy
   Pressure earrings can be worn when your skin starts thickening after piercings, while pressure garments are helpful for other areas prone to keloids.
   This method works by applying constant pressure to reduce blood flow, break down collagen fibres, and prevent new collagen formation, helping to flatten the keloid and prevent it from growing.
   For optimum results, pressure garments must be worn 12-20 hours a day over several months.
6. Apply Over-the-Counter Corticosteroid Creams
   Applying these creams to the keloid can relieve itching and discomfort. Be sure to use them as directed on the package or by your healthcare provider for the best results.
7. Protect Wounds from Sun Exposure
   Sunlight can change the colour of your keloid, making it more noticeable.
   To protect them, cover the area with clothing or use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum protection, and water resistance.

While it’s not always possible to prevent keloids completely, especially if you’re prone to them, taking these precautions and seeking early treatment can help minimise their development and growth.