Keloid Treatment and Removal
A keloid is a type of raised scar. Unlike other raised scars, keloids grow much larger than the wound that caused the scar.
Most develop in the ear or earlobe, jawline, chest, upper back and shoulder. Because a keloid develops after you injure your skin, you can get this scar elsewhere. For example, a woman who has keloid-prone skin can develop a keloid on her belly after having a cesarean section (C-section), hysterectomy, or other surgery in this area. Navel piercing can also cause a keloid on the belly.
Men who have darkly pigmented skin and shave their beard area may develop keloids on their face. It’s rare for a keloid to develop on the genitals, palms, soles, or tongue.
Unlike a hypertrophic scar, a keloid doesn’t fade with time. To reduce the appearance of a keloid, you need to treat it. When it comes to treatment, not one treatment works best for all keloids. That’s why dermatologists consider where the keloid appears on your body, its size, and how deeply the keloid penetrates your skin. Your age and how you responded to past treatment for a keloid also help determine what type of treatment would give you best results.
A treatment plan for keloids may include; Injections of corticosteroids or another medication, Keloid surgery, Pressure earring, dressing or garment, Silicone gel or Laser treatment.
No treatment can consistently get rid of a keloid. What works for one patient may have no effect on another patient. How you care for your skin can make a difference. Be sure to follow the at-home care that your dermatologist gives you. You also want to stick to your treatment plan, getting all treatments that your dermatologist recommends. It’s also important to know that if you’ve had a keloid, you can develop another keloid scar in the future.