How do you diagnose Keloids?
A keloid scar is a thick, raised scar. It can arise anywhere there is skin damage, although it most commonly appears on:
- Earlobes
- Shoulders
- Cheekbones
- Chest
If you are prone to developing keloids, they may appear in multiple places.
Although keloid scars are not hazardous to your physical health, they might cause emotional distress. Prevention or early treatment is critical.
Keloid scar removal is possible. If you don’t like the appearance or feel of a keloid, read on to learn about permanent keloid removal.
What Causes Keloids?
The exact cause of keloids remains a mystery, but several factors can contribute to their development:
- Genetics: A family history of keloid scarring can increase your risk.
- Skin Injury: Any type of skin injury, including surgery, acne, piercings, or tattoos, can trigger keloid formation.
- Age: Keloids are more common in younger individuals.
- Skin Color: Darker skin tones have a higher propensity for keloid scarring.
How Are Keloids Diagnosed?
Diagnosing keloids is usually straightforward. A healthcare professional can typically identify them based on their appearance. However, in certain cases, a skin biopsy may be advised to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Keloids
- Raised, Thick Scar: Keloids often appear as raised, rubbery, or firm scars.
- Color Variation: The color of a keloid can range from red to brown or purple.
- Shiny Appearance: Keloids frequently have a shiny or waxy surface.
- Itchiness: Many individuals with keloids experience itching.
- Pain: Some keloids can be painful, especially when they are large or located in areas of movement.
The Science Behind Keloid Formation
To truly understand keloids, it’s important to delve into the scientific processes involved.
When your skin is injured, your body starts a healing process that invokes the production of collagen, a protein that repairs damaged tissue.
In normal scar formation, collagen production eventually slows down, resulting in a flat, faded scar. However, in keloids, this process goes into overdrive. Excess collagen is produced, leading to the formation of a raised, thickened scar.
Researchers believe that genetic factors, hormonal influences, and certain growth factors may play a role in this abnormal collagen production.
Keloid Treatment - Your Options
While there’s no definitive cure for keloids, various treatment options can help reduce their size, appearance, and symptoms. These treatments include:
Non-Surgical Treatments
Corticosteroid Injections These injections can reduce inflammation and shrink the keloid scar. |
Silicone Gel Sheets These sheets can help flatten and soften keloids. |
Laser Therapy Laser treatments significantly reduce the size and redness of keloids. |
Cryotherapy This procedure requires freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen. |
Pressure Therapy Applying constant pressure to the keloid can help flatten it. |
Surgical Treatment
Excision In some cases, surgery may be necessary for permanent keloid removal. However, there’s a risk of the keloid returning after surgery. |
How to stop a keloid from growing?
While you can’t always prevent keloid formation, you can take steps to minimize your risk:
- Avoid Skin Injuries: Minimize skin trauma, such as cuts, burns, and piercings.
- Choose Sterile Piercing and Tattooing Tools: Ensure that these tools are clean and sterile.
- Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Excessive sun exposure damages your skin and increases your risk of keloid formation.
Consult Dr Frank Conroy for Expert Care
If you’re concerned about a scar that may be a keloid, it’s important to consult with our expert Dr Frank Conroy. He can accurately diagnose the condition and advise the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific needs, as well as preventive measures to lower your chances of future keloid formation.
If you’re struggling with keloids, consult Dr Frank Conroy for personalized treatment and advice. With his extensive experience in body contouring and skin cancer reconstruction, Dr Conroy can help you manage your keloids and improve your overall skin health. You can check before/after keloid pictures to see the results.
Book your appointment today to take the first step towards clearer, healthier skin.
FAQs
How to Tell If a Keloid is Forming?
A keloid is a raised, thick scar that grows beyond the original wound boundary. It often appears red or dark brown and may be itchy or painful. If a scar continues to grow, change color, or become raised over time, it may be a keloid.
How Do I Know If It’s a Keloid or a Bump?
A keloid is a specific type of scar that typically arises from a previous injury. If a bump develops over an old wound or injury and continues to grow, it may be a keloid. Other bumps may be caused by acne, insect bites, or other skin conditions.
Can You Test for Keloid Scarring?
There is no specific test to diagnose keloids. Dr Frank Conroy diagnoses them based on their appearance. However, in certain cases, a skin biopsy may be necessary to rule out other skin conditions.
What Can Be Mistaken for Keloids?
Other skin conditions, such as hypertrophic scars, can sometimes be mistaken for keloids. Hypertrophic scars are raised scars that remain within the original wound boundary. A doctor can differentiate between the two.