What is a Keloid Scar
It’s next to impossible to move through life without accumulating a scar or two. However, some types of scarring are far more prominent and noticeable than others.
Keloid scars are abnormal because they extend beyond the boundary of the injury site. Not only are they red and raised but they can cause pain, itching and burning if left untreated. Even though anyone can develop a keloid scar, those with darker skin are far more susceptible.
There are also certain areas that are more prone to keloid scars, including the earlobes, neck, upper arm and back as well as the sternum.
Keloid scars can continue growing for several months and they won’t go away on their own, which is why treatment is necessary.
The Causes of Keloid Scarring
The cause of keloid scarring is not clearly understood but skin trauma that creates skin or muscle tension seems to be the main contributor. Infection and repeated trauma to the same area can also contribute to the formation of this type of scar. A decrease in mature collagen levels and an excess of melanocyte stimulating hormones have also been linked to keloid scars.
Even though there’s no exact answer to what causes keloid scarring, there are several treatment options available at Skin Confidence Clinic.
Keloid Treatment Options
There are a few ways that we can potentially treat keloid scarring.
Keloid scars can continue growing for several
months and they won’t go away on their own,
which is why treatment is necessary
Corticosteroid Injections
To reduce the size of a keloid scar, a corticosteroid solution is injected directly into it. The steroids in this solution help break up the collagen fibres that keep the scar tissue in place. To achieve the best results, it’s recommended that the scar be injected once a month. After several injections, the scar should become a lot less noticeable. In most instances, the scar will flatten in about three to six months.
Silicone Gel Sheets
Topical silicone gel sheets can also be used to reduce the size of a keloid scar. The sheets should be applied to the keloid lesion for at least 12 hours a day for a period of six weeks. Depending on the size of the scar, gel sheets may need to be applied for up to six months. The sheets work by keeping the area moist enough to heal. When the skin is dry, it can crack, which lets more bacteria in.
Pressure Treatment
By applying pressure to the keloid, it limits blood flow to the area and prevents the scar from getting worse or returning. A specialised garment can be worn to apply ongoing pressure to the scarred area.
Preventing Keloid Scarring
There isn’t a whole lot that you can do if your skin starts developing keloid scarring. However, there are steps you can take to aid the healing process, one of which is keeping the wound clean. If you develop a keloid scar once, there’s a good chance it can happen again. For this reason, it’s best to avoid piercings and tattoos and to mention your history of scarring to surgeons in the future. If you have a family history of keloid scars but haven’t yet had one, it’s still best to take the necessary precautions.
There are several treatment options available for Keloid Scars at Skin Confidence Clinic
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