Keloids

Overview

Keloids are raised, itchy scars seen over the skin. They are firm, rubbery lesions or shiny, fibrous nodules. Some of them are pink in color, some are dark brown and some are flesh-colored. They develop as a result of overgrowth of dense fibrous tissues after healing of a skin injury. Keloids are benign and not contagious. It may sometimes cause itchiness, pain and changes in the texture. It may also affect skin movements.

Keloids are of different types, mainly-type III and type I collagen. You may get confused with keloids and hypertrophic scars. But, both are different. Keloids affect both men and women. Comparatively, it is higher in young females than young males.

Signs & symptoms

They develop claw-like growths over the normal skin. They may cause pain and itching. The keloids will be:

• Red, pink or flesh-colored
• Ridged or lumpy
• Itchy and tender
• Irritating and
• Located over the site of a wound or injury.

Causes

Keloids usually develop after skin injuries. The exact cause is unknown till now.

Diagnosis

The first method of diagnosis is physical examination. The doctor will be able to find keloids from the signs and symptoms. Sometimes, there may be confusion to confirm whether it is keloids or hyper trophic scars. The doctor may suggest for a biopsy in such doubtful conditions.

Treatments

There are no best treatments for keloids. Things such as the location, size, and depth of the lesion, age of the patient and the medical history of the patient may affect the treatment mode. Prevention is the better way for keloids. Starting preventive measures at the time of first stage can help the patient. Preventing unnecessary trauma or surgery can also be a measure to keep away from keloids. Acnes and skin infections can be dangerous and treating them successfully can also help you to prevent keloids.

Effective treatment option for keloids may include various kinds of therapies. It may include intralesionsalinjcetions, superficial radiotherapy, laser therapy, compression therapy and occlusive dressings etc. Most of the therapies can attain 90% results.

• Intralesional 5- Fluorouracil as a treatment modality for keloids. Nanda S, Reddy BSN. Dermatologic Surgery 2004; 29:1-4.