Keloids are growths comprised of excess scar tissue that form where the skin has previously healed following an injury. They are usually flesh-colored, red, or pink in color. While these growths pose no medical threat, many of the people that have them are displeased by their aesthetic appearance. Learning more about what causes keloids and who is at an increased risk of developing them can help patients better anticipate the development of these growths and seek treatment for them.
Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center provides patients in the Windermere, Gotha, Bay Hill, and Dr. Phillips areas of Florida with both the knowledge and treatments they need to obtain healthy, beautiful-looking skin. If you’d like more information about any of the services we offer, contact us today!
What Causes these Growths to Develop?
Most keloids develop as the result of a skin injury. These injuries can include:
- Acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Vaccinations
- Chickenpox scars
- Ear piercings
- Scratches
- Burns
Unfortunately, it has yet to be understood why keloids develop in certain individuals and on certain injuries when they do not develop in others.
What Risk Factors put People at an Increased Risk of Developing these Growths?
An estimated ten percent of all people experience some degree of keloid scarring. While keloids have the potential to develop in nearly anyone, some groups of people are at an increased risk of developing these skin features.
Gender does not play any role in a person’s likelihood of developing keloid scars. However, individuals with darker skin are at an increased risk. The following groups of people have a higher risk of developing keloids than the rest of the population:
- Those of African heritage
- Those of Latino heritage
- Those of Asian heritage
- Individuals younger than 30
- Pregnant women
Because there also tends to be a genetic component linked to the development of keloids, people who have family members with keloids are more likely to also develop them.
At Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, we understand that many of our patients desire to seek treatment for their keloids. We offer corticosteroid injections to reduce the size and symptoms of the keloid. Other keloid specialists may offer treatments such as freezing therapies, laser treatments, surgical removal, and radiation treatments.
If you live in the Bay Hill, Gotha, Dr. Phillips, or Windermere areas of Florida and are interested in having your keloids examined or removed, we can help! Contact Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center today to schedule a consultation appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!