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Keloids Treatment in Delhi, India
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A keloid scar is a form of overgrown scar that is thicker and more raised in appearance and develops at the site of injury. This type of scar is seen anywhere on the body, but the most commonly found areas include the upper chest, shoulders, head and neck. In some cases, they are even misinterpreted as moles. They are entirely harmless and do not convert into cancer.
These scars become irritated if they are scratched with a cloth vigorously. Beyond a certain point, these scars don't grow any further and rarely go away. They pose a significant challenge in their treatment, so the doctors stress the prevention of keloids. Treatment doesn't resolve these scars entirely, and it takes several years to heal them. There is a possibility of recurrence of these scars.
Keloids can occur among any age group. However, some individuals are at a higher risk of developing keloid scars. It depends on the following factors:
- Race: People of Asian, African or Hispanic are more prone to keloid scars.
- Family history: Individuals are more susceptible to keloid scars if they have any family history. It means they are at higher risk of developing scars if either one or both parents have these scars.
- Age: Individuals aged 20 to 30 years are more likely to develop keloid scars.
- Puberty or pregnancy
- If an individual has undergone a mesh skin graft
Keloids Symptoms
It takes a few months to almost a year or even longer for a keloid scar to develop. Following are the various symptoms of keloid scars:
The texture of scars varies from soft to firm and rubbery.
- Itchiness
- Discomfort
- Lumps and raised skin
- Altered sizes depending on the size of the injury
- Thick and irregular scarring
Keloids Causes
The following are the causes of keloids:
Keloids Diagnosis
Keloids are generally diagnosed by a dermatologist who begins the diagnosis by understanding the medical history of the patient and their family, followed by a physical evaluation of the scar to look out for its size, shape and growth pattern.
Afterwards, the dermatologist may perform a skin biopsy to differentiate among more severe skin conditions such as Lobomycosis or Nodular scleroderma.
Keloids Treatment
There is no specific treatment that works best for all keloids. Instead, dermatologists assess the patients and consider various factors such as the individual's age and type of keloid present. Keloids are difficult to heal, and applying multiple treatments often improves results.
Various treatment options available for keloid scars include:
- Cryotherapy- Applying ice packs gives excellent results on small keloids by freezing the keloid from the inside out. This method is mainly used before or after corticosteroid injections to make the injections more effective.
- Pressure Therapy- This method is used after surgery. It involves using a device or clothing to apply pressure on the involved area and reduce blood flow to the site to halt the keloid recurrence. These devices worn by patients can be uncomfortable, and people need to wear them for around 6 to 12 months.
- Radiation Therapy- In this treatment, firstly, the keloid is removed with the help of surgical intervention. Then low-dose radiation therapy is given on the area to prevent scar tissue from regrowing back again.
- Laser Therapy- This treatment uses high-energy light rays to reduce the size and lighten the colour of a keloid scar. Laser therapy is commonly administered with several other treatment options, such as corticosteroid injections or pressure therapy, to achieve the best possible results.
- Silicone Gels and Patches- These silicone-based treatments help flatten and reduce the size of the scar as well as its colour.
- Ligature- In this procedure, the doctor uses a surgical thread to tie around the keloid, which cuts off the blood supply so that the keloid will fall off after a while.
- Surgery is typically combined with other therapies, such as corticosteroid injections or silicone treatments because keloids tend to recur after surgical removal.
Medication Options
- Corticosteroid Injections-These are injected into the keloid to reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels, which may help relieve swelling, itchiness, or tenderness.
- Fluorouracil is a chemotherapy medication used to treat cancers but can be used with corticosteroids.
Keloids Complications
Usually, keloids are harmless and don't bother an individual. But there are certain keloid scars which are very much prominent among individuals, like on the face. These scars don't look good on individuals and affect their personalities primarily, thereby causing depression.
Apart from that, various keloid scars on the joint surface make the adjacent surfaces hard and ultimately restrict movement.
Keloids Prevention
Protection from injury is an essential component in the prevention of keloid scars. Patients should avoid getting body piercings or tattoos. At times, even minor damage can initiate a keloid to grow.
Maintenance of wound care is another factor in the prevention of keloids. It is advised to keep the wound dry and moist. After washing the wound thoroughly, patients should apply the ointment daily as required.
Outlook
People can have a keloid treated at any given time, even years after they appear. So, if a scar is bothering a person, it is recommended to have it checked out thoroughly by a dermatologist.
Reviewed & Updated On
Reviewed by Dr. Arpana Sharma Rijal, Visiting Consultant, Dermatology on 22-Mar-2023.
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