Fact Checked
A keloid is a scar growing beyond what is needed in healing a broken skin. Generally, it is characterized by a large, shiny and raised bump that develops or lines the skin. It forms as injuries in the skin starts to heal but they can become large than the original wound or cut. It is usually darker than the original color of the skin and can become itchy.
Dark skin toned people and below 30 years of age is easily affected by this condition. It affects the cheeks, ears, shoulders, chest and the upper arms.
Symptoms of keloids
- A shiny, and hair-free skin on the scar
- A large and bumpy raised scar tissue growing excessively beyond the size of the original wound.
- Soft and doughy to rubbery when touched
- Red, purple, pink or brown colored scar tissue that is darker than the normal color or skin or hyperpigmentation.
- Itching or burning sensations in the scar or pruritus
Compress the wound or the injured area to lessen tension in the skin. - Slow growing scar for several months to one year
Risk factors
- Prior formation of a keloid
- Dark skin, especially Asian or Latino ethnicity
- 10-30 years old
- Family members with keloid
- Slow healing of wounds especially on the face, ears and the upper body
- Being pregnant
- Scarring of the skin due to chicken pox, acne, surgery, piercings, burns, vaccines and scratches
Treatment
- Prescribed cortisone injections every 4-8 weeks to reduce the size of the keloid and make it flatten.
- Prescribed retinoid ointment to control production of collagen and lessen the formation of the keloids. It also lessens the itchiness of the scars.
- Apply silicon sheets on the area before the formation of the scar. It hydrates the area and prevents the formation of scar tissue. The silicon sheet is wrapped tightly on the affected areas for days or even months after the injury.
- Compress the wound or the injured area to lessen tension in the skin. Wear the compression wrap or tape for several weeks to months to lessen production of cell and flatten the scars and for fast healing of the condition.
- Apply fresh aloe Vera gel on the affected area for at least twice every day to lessen the keloids especially if the scar is still fresh. Another alternative is mixing 2 teaspoons of aloe Vera, 1 teaspoon of Vitamin E oil and 1 teaspoon of cocoa butter. Mix them together and apply the mixture to the affected area and leave it on for at least 30 minutes. Wipe any excess of mixture in the skin and let the remaining mixture to dry naturally over the area.
Tips
- Cover new wounds or forming keloids using pressure garments, sheets or adhesive bandages to prevent further irritations.
- Avoid injuries to the skin such as tattoos, piercings and surgery
- Wear sunscreen
- Avoid development of infections after any skin injury and surgery
- Perform post-surgery massages at 10-30 minutes twice every day every week for healthy healing and prevent formation of keloids.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keloid