Keloid

(Keloid Scar; Dermal Fibrotic Lesion)

Pronounced: KEE-loyd
by Srila Sen, MA

Definition

A keloid is an extra growth of scar tissue over a skin wound. It grows beyond the margins of the skin wound. A keloid can vary in size from one to several inches. They are not harmful to general health.

Keloids can occur anywhere but they are more common on:

  • Earlobes
  • Shoulders
  • Upper back
  • Chest
  • Back of scalp and neck

Causes

Scar tissue is a part of the normal healing process. With keloids, the scar tissue grows in an uncontrolled manner. The scar continues to grow even after the wound has been covered. The growth can continue for weeks or months.

Risk Factors    TOP

Keloids are more common in people with African American, Asian, or Hispanic ethnicity. They are also more likely to occur between 10-30 years old.

Factors that increase your chance of keloids include:

  • Deep skin wounds, such as those from burns or surgical scars
  • Scars from acne, vaccinations, or chickenpox
  • Family history

Normal Surgical Scar

Post-operative scar
Ideally the scar tissue would stop developing at this point.
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Symptoms    TOP

Keloids often begin as small lumps at the site of a skin injury. They gradually grow beyond the edges of the wound.

For most, the scar is the only symptom. Some may have other symptoms such as:

  • Pain
  • Burning
  • Itchiness
  • Tenderness

Diagnosis    TOP

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

You may be referred to a skin specialist. They can confirm the diagnosis and assist in removal. A plastic surgeon may do the removal.

Your doctor may order a biopsy. This test will rule out other problems like a tumor or other skin disorders.

Treatment    TOP

Some keloids may go away on their own, but this is rare. If the keloid is not bothersome it does not need to be treated.

A large or irritating keloid may be removed with surgery. Most keloids will grow again after surgery. Other treatments may help to prevent recurrence. Prevention treatment options include:

Corticosteroid Injections

These injections are often given with surgery. They are repeated every 3-4 weeks for six months. Steroids can relieve itching and pain and slow the scar formation. For some it may cause some shrinking of the keloid.

Radiation Therapy

Your doctor may recommend radiation after surgery. This therapy can be very successful at stopping regrowth. However, it is a limited option because it is toxic to healthy tissue.

Other Medications

Other medications that may also help prevent regrowth of keloid after surgery include:

  • Verpamil—injected directly into area.
  • Fluorouracil —injected directly into area.
  • Imiquimod —cream applied to the affected area.

Prevention    TOP

To help reduce your chances of forming a keloid, take the following steps:

  • Avoid trauma to the skin.
  • Immediately care for cuts or scrapes.
  • Avoid cosmetic surgery that is not necessary for health.
  • Do not tattoo or pierce your ears or other areas of the body.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org/
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology
http://www.aocd.org/
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
http://www.plasticsurgery.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca/
Dermatologists.ca
http://www.dermatology.ca/

References:

American Academy of Dermatology. Scars don’t have to mark your skin. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aae.org/public/news/newsreleases/scars_alster.htm . Accessed December 7, 2012.
American Academy of Dermatology. Skin of color. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org... . Accessed December 7, 2012.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Keloids and hypertrophic scars. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic . Accessed December 7, 2012.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Everyday wounds. Scars and keloids. American Society of Plastic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.plastic... . Accessed December 7, 2012.
Conejo-Mir JS, Corbi R, Linares M. Carbon dioxide laser ablation associated with interferon alfa-2b injections reduces the recurrence of keloids. J Am Acad Dermatol .1998; 39:1039.
Keloid. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated June 7, 2010. Accessed December 7, 2012.
Malaker K, Vijayraghavan K, Hodson I, Al Yafi T. Retrospective analysis of treatment of unresectable keloids with primary radiation over 25 years. Clin Oncol . 2004;16:290.
Shaffer JJ, Taylor SC, Cook-Bolden F. Keloidal scars: A review with a critical look at therapeutic options. J Am Acad Dermatol . 2002; 46:S63.
Last reviewed March 2013 by Michael Woods, MD
Last Updated: 03/15/2013