Sandy Crest Medical Centre - Health Tips
Keloids
A keloid is the term applied to a scar secondary to a cut or
wound that extends and spreads beyond the size of the original
wound. Keloids vary in size, shape, and location. Often the tendency
to develop keloids may run in a family.
The most common locations are the ear lobes, chest, neck, back,
navel and arms. Keloids may follow injury, infection (e.g.
chickenpox), piercing (ear and navel), acne, vaccination sites,
tattoos, etc. Occasionally, they occur spontaneously, especially on
the mid-chest.
The lesion may itch during formation and growth. There may be
varying degrees of psychological distress depending on the keloid’s
size and location. They may be irritated from rubbing on clothing or
other forms of friction. Most keloids will flatten and become less
noticeable over a period of several years.
Keloids often require no treatment. Treatment may consist of
cortisone injections, pressure dressings, silicone gels, surgery,
laser treatment, cryosurgery, liquid nitrogen, radiation therapy or
combination therapy. Unfortunately, keloids are difficult to treat
and tend to return, sometimes larger than before. Newer treatment
regimens are being developed.
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