Keloid
Also
known as: Cheloid
What is
it?
A keloid is
a raised growth of fibrous scar tissue that forms over
an area of trauma to the skin and extends beyond the
area of the original injury.
Who gets
it?
Anyone can
develop a keloid, but they are more common in young
women and African Americans.
What
causes it?
A keloid
can be caused by injury to the skin, such as a burn,
insect bite, acne, cut, body piercing, or a surgical
incision. Scar tissue normally grows in response to a
wound, but a keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue
over a healed wound. Some people have a genetic
tendency to develop keloids.
What are
the symptoms?
A keloid
looks like a raised bump. It may be red,
reddish-brown, or flesh colored; tender to the touch;
and itchy. Keloids often become larger with time. The
most common locations for keloids include the ear
lobes, upper chest and back, and the shoulder area.
How is it
diagnosed?
Keloids can
be diagnosed according to appearance.
What is
the treatment?
There is no
truly effective treatment for keloids. They may be
reduced in size through a corticosteroid injection or
application of topical retinoids, or removed by
freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery). However,
new keloids often develop at the site of the
treatment. Keloids can be reduced in size by applying
a sheet of silicon gel over the growth. Keloids that
are disfiguring because of location and color may be
improved through pulse dye laser treatment.
Self-care
tips
You can
help prevent keloids by treating skin injuries with
care. Do not pick at or scratch acne lesions, insect
bites, and other skin irritations, and do not pierce
your body.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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