What are Keloids?

A keloid, or keloid scar, is a kind of overgrown scar, or an overly aggressive healing response to a wound.

Scars, which form as a response to a wound such as a minor burn, cut, or abrasion, are part of the body’s natural healing process. In most cases, scars usually grow smaller and fade over time, but in some people, the skin can overreact to the damage and lead to scars that are much larger than the original wound. These scars are called keloids.

Keloid scars, which are typically thick and irregular, rarely go away on their own. They can be challenging to treat, which is why dermatologists emphasize the importance of preventing keloids from forming in the first place, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).

Symptoms of Keloids

You may have a keloid scar if you may notice the following:

It appears gradually. It can take as long as 3 to 12 months or even longer before you to notice a keloid beginning to develop; most tend to appear within a year of the original skin damage.
It may also grow quickly. Sometimes keloids spread fast, and may, for example, triple in size in as little as a few months.
Your scar is itchy, tender, or painful. These symptoms usually stop once the keloid is developed.
Your scar is easily irritated. It may become irritated from friction, such as rubbing against clothing.
It gradually turns darker. A keloid typically begins as a pink, red, or flesh-colored scar that darkens over time and ends up looking darker than the skin around the scar.

Keloids can occur anywhere — but, according to the AAD, they’re less common on the eyelids, genitals, soles of the feet, or palms of the hands.

They frequently develop on the following parts of the body:

• Ears
• Neck
• Shoulders
• Chest
• Back

Keloids can be more than just skin imperfections. Depending on the size of the scar and where it is on the body, it can affect how well you can move that area of the body. And for some people, physical symptoms such as pain or itchiness can impact your psychological health. Others may feel that their keloid is noticeable or unsightly and that may take a toll on their emotional well-being.

Causes of Keloids

It’s not clear why some people develop keloids, but doctors believe that these types of scars form when fibroblasts — cells found in our connective tissue that secrete collagen — overreact and produce high amounts of collagen in response to a wound, notes Stat Pearls.[3]
If you are prone to developing keloids, any type of skin injury that can cause a scar can lead to the formation of a keloid. Some common causes of keloids include:

• Surgical cuts or any other types of cuts
• Acne and chickenpox blemishes or scars
• Burns
• Body or ear piercings
• Tattoos
• Insect bites
• Vaccination shots
• Wearing tightly braided hair

In rare cases, keloids can form on skin that hasn’t been injured. These are referred to as spontaneous keloids.

The AAD identifies the following as risk factors that may increase your odds of developing keloids:

Being of African, Asian, or Hispanic Descent

• Having a Family History of Keloids As many as one-third of people who get keloids have a close relative (such as a parent or sibling) who is prone to keloids.
• Being Between 10 and 30 Years Old Most people begin to notice keloids developing on their skin in their twenties, although these scars can start earlier or later.

How Are Keloids Diagnosed?

Keloids are usually diagnosed by a dermatologist who will take your medical history and conduct a visual examination of the scar to check its size, shape, and growth pattern. Your doctor may also perform a skin biopsy to rule out more serious conditions such as nodular scleroderma, a type of connective tissue disease, or lobomycosis, a fungal infection of the skin.

Prognosis of Keloids

While keloids are benign (noncancerous) growths, they are nevertheless difficult to treat and frequently grow back even after they are surgically removed. But your dermatologist may be able to suggest measures that can help reduce the odds of keloids returning after treatment or at least ways to minimize their appearance.

Complications of Keloids

Keloids usually don’t pose a threat to your health and may not need to be treated. But keloids that are prominent and visible, such as those that occur on the face, may also impact a person’s self-esteem, and treatment may help address that.

Prevention of Keloids

If you are prone to developing keloids, you’ll want to be vigilant about taking steps to prevent the formation of these scars. Some tips from AAD to keep in mind:

• Try to avoid body piercings, tattoos, or any elective surgery, as keloids can occur after these procedures.
• Treat any injury right away, no matter how minor it is; this may help your skin heal faster and reduce your risk of scarring.
• If you do find yourself with a wound, talk to your dermatologist about how best to care and dress it. This will help you prevent keloid scars from developing.

Reference:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/keloids/guide/