A keloid develops over an area of skin at the site of an injury. Scar tissue grows beyond the site of the injury and forms a raised, reddish growth. Keloids present no danger to your health, but they can cause itching, tenderness and pain. If you develop any new skin anomalies, consult a doctor to rule out any medical concerns.
Risk Factors
Research has yet to determine the exact cause of keloid development. Several risk factors may increase your chance of developing keloids. If you are aware of your risk factors, you may be able to prevent keloids from forming. Keloids are most common among women and individuals with African-American, Asian and Hispanic ethnicities. Keloids tend to run in families. If you suffer from a deep wound, burn, surgical incision, or scars from acne, chickenpox or insect bites, you may be susceptible to keloids.
Self-Care
If you know you carry risk of developing keloids, you can take several preventive measures to reduce your risk. If you receive an injury, minor or major, treat your wound with care. Avoid picking at and scratching the area while it heals. Also avoid any skin piercings, tattoos and anything else that may damage your skin.
Pressure Dressing
You can prevent most keloids by applying a pressure dressing or silicone gel pad over the wound after it has healed. The dressing should be left on for at least 23 hours out of the day. The pressure of the dressing will help prevent fibrous scar tissue from hardening and raising above the skin line.
Care After Surgery
Those prone to keloids have a high risk of developing them after surgery. If you must have surgery, let your doctor know that keloids run in your family or that you tend to develop them. After surgery, take special care to not stretch or pull the skin during its healing. Also make sure to keep the wound clean, covered and moist. Avoid cosmetic or elective surgery in the upper trunk, shoulders and jawline, the most common areas in which keloids form.
Medical Treatment
Once a keloid has formed, it likely will not go away on its own. Treatment may not completely remove a keloid, and it may reappear even after successful treatment. Medical treatments include cryosurgery, radiation therapy, laser treatment, corticosteriod injections, and the drugs interferon-alfa and imiquimod.
