A keloid forms when fibroblasts, connective tissue cells responsible for repairing wounded skin, become overactive and cause the scar tissue to overdevelop and protrude, notes the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Although they can be unsightly and cause emotional distress, they are not hazardous to physical health, notes MedlinePlus. There are, however, a number of clinical treatments that can help reduce the appearance of, or completely remove, keloid scars.
Risk
The National Health Service website notes that keloids are most common in people who are 10 to 30 years of age. Those with darker skin pigments are more prone to developing them, although it is not fully understood why this is. Keloids often grow when injuries occur on the upper back, chest or shoulders. People prone to keloids can develop them from skin injuries as small as a pimple mark or bug bite, states MedlinePlus.
Identify
According to the AOCD, a hypertrophic scar can be mistaken for a keloid. Because all ages and skin types can develop them, hypertrophics are far more common than keloids and form in the same way -- overactive fibroblast tissue. However, hypertrophic scars generally don't grow as big as keloids do and can naturally fade and diminish in size over time.
Removal
The removal of keloids in people prone to developing them can be risky. After removal, it is not uncommon for a new keloid to develop in place of the old one as the overactive tissue cells attempt to repair the surgical wound. To preempt this, a surgeon may expose the site to X-ray treatments which, according to the AOCD, are successful in 85 percent of cases.
Reduce
Due to the tendency for keloids to form again after removal, simply reducing them in size is a preferable treatment for many. This can be done with a cortisone hormonal injection, which will help reduce inflammation and dissipate the scar tissue. Keloids can also be frozen using liquid nitrogen or cryosurgery, or they can be treated with lasers and X-ray radiation to reduce redness, notes the AOCD.
Considerations
Keloids are very difficult to treat, and it is often simply a matter of improving the scar's appearance rather than completely healing it, admits the AOCD. Because keloids often run in families, some people are more prone to them than others. It is best, therefore, that these people avoid tattoos, piercings and other such lifestyle choices, recommends the NHS website. Consult your doctor to identify the type of scarring you have and determine the best course of action.
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