Keloids are growths made up of excess scar tissue that typically form where skin has healed following an injury. These growths are not a health concern, but many people find them unattractive and would like to have them become less noticeable.
At Florida’s Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center in Windermere, Dr. Jeannette Hudgens can help people with keloids improve their appearance and feel better about themselves in the process.
To learn more about keloid treatment, or to schedule an appointment, contact Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center today.
Causes
Keloids can emerge after skin is injured by:
- Acne.
- Burns.
- Chickenpox.
- Piercings.
- Incisions from surgery or cuts due to trauma.
- Vaccination sites.
Keloids are more common in people between the ages of 10 and 30. People with darker skin are more likely to develop keloids, which can often run in families.
Symptoms
Keloids can appear:
- Flesh-colored, pink or red.
- Above parts of the body that have suffered injuries or wounds.
- Lumpy or ridged.
- Itchy and tender.
Keloids typically become darker than surrounding skin following sun exposure in the 12 months after a keloid emerges. This darker color often will remain.
Diagnosis
Our medical team can diagnose the presence of keloids during a simple exam. We may want to perform a biopsy if another form of skin problem or condition is suspected.
Treatment
Keloids do not need to be treated in most cases because they pose no health threat. But many people are bothered by the appearance of keloids and want to make them smaller and less noticeable.
Some keloid treatments that can be considered include:
- Corticosteroid injections.
- Freezing treatment, known as cryotherapy.
- Laser treatment.
- Surgical removal.
- Silicone gels or patches.
At Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, we understand that each patient is different and each has different aesthetic goals. Our medical team will review your keloid treatment with you, and together we can determine the safest and most effective method of treatment.
Some larger keloids can be removed with surgery. To prevent keloids from returning, other treatments may be needed.
These include:
- Corticosteroid injections: These may be used with surgery and repeated every several weeks for about six months, again depending on the individual patient.
- Steroids may help reduce pain and itching. They also can slow scar formation and shrink keloids in some patients.
- Silicone gel sheets: This medical material provides a watertight seal over scars and can be used over an extended period. Silicone offers a moist and medically ideal environment for your skin to get better – all while bacteria and dirt that can worsen scarring are kept away from skin.
There are methods to reduce your risk of having keloids form in the first place.
These include:
- Being careful to avoid any trauma to your skin.
- Taking proper care of scrapes and cuts as soon as they occur.
- Not having unnecessary plastic surgery.
- Not getting ears pierced or tattoos on parts of the body that are prone to keloids.
If you have developed keloids and no longer want them on your skin, contact Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center to learn how we can help you feel better about your appearance by reducing keloids.