Symptoms of Keloid Scars: Causes and Treatment

Keloid Scars Symptoms: Comprehensive Overview and Solutions

Keloid scar is a certain kind of scar tissue that impacts people worldwide. Different research studies show that around 10% of the human population suffers from keloids, but more significantly, individuals with darker skin hues are more prone to suffering from keloids than others. 

It has been found that African, Hispanic, and Asian heritage individuals have about 15 to 20 times greater chances of contracting keloid as compared to people of lighter skin hews. Keloid scars have also been proven to occur even after minimal skin damage and affect about 5-15% of those who suffer even from minor cuts or abrasions.

To learn more, continue reading this blog, which will provide in-depth information on keloid treatment, symptoms, and causes.

What is a Keloid?

Keloids are also referred to as an overgrowth of scar tissue that forms a thick, broad area of the skin beyond the site of injury. Unlike normal scar tissue, keloids are not known to shrink with time; instead, they tend to persist and grow in size. 

They most often occur in areas such as the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and cheeks, and after injuries, surgical incisions, or even acne lesions, they can develop into one.

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What are Keloid Scars?

Usually, keloid scars are raised scars that appear when scar tissue overgrows the skin injury site. Unlike regular scars, which eventually fade, keloid scars can continue to grow beyond the original wound. They are characterised by their thick, irregular appearance and are usually darker than the surrounding skin. 

Keloid scars commonly form on the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and cheeks and can cause both cosmetic concerns and physical discomfort.

How is Keloid Formed?

A keloid scar is an overproduction of scar tissue by fibroblasts, cells that tend to heal the wound. In other people, the fibroblasts will continue producing collagen after the wound has healed, and there is an excess of scarring. This overgrowth extends beyond the boundary of the original wound, presenting a raised, smooth surface. 

Although hypertrophic and keloid scars may look alike, hypertrophic scars do not extend beyond the boundaries of a wound, whereas keloids certainly grow beyond the boundaries of a wound.

Keloid Scar Symptoms

The symptoms of keloid scars are generally distinct, making them easy to identify once they develop. Common symptoms include:

1. Raised and Firm Texture

Keloid scars are elevated and firm to the touch, often thicker than other types of scars.

2. Smooth, Shiny Surface

They have a shiny, smooth surface and a rubbery consistency. Depending on skin tone, scar tissue may be pink, red, or brown.

3. Persistent Growth Beyond the Original Injury

One of the hallmark features of a keloid is its tendency to grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound, unlike most other scars.

4. Itching, Tenderness, or Pain

Some people experience itching, tenderness, or even pain in the area. Discomfort can increase if the scar is irritated, as with clothing rubbing against it.

5. Limited Mobility

Moreover, in some instances, keloids in joints or movement-prone areas may limit mobility. Each case can vary, with symptoms depending on the keloid's size, location, and underlying causes.

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Causes and Risk Factors for Keloid Scars

Understanding what causes keloids is essential to their management and prevention. Keloids can develop due to a variety of factors:

Skin Injuries

Keloids tend to form after different kinds of skin trauma, including cuts or surgical incisions, burns, or even big acne attacks. However, minute traumas like piercings also provoke keloids' formation.

Genetics

Research suggests a genetic predisposition, with a higher incidence in families with a history of keloids.

Ethnicity

Keloids predominantly affect darker skin tones, like African American, Asian, and Hispanic people.

Age

Keloids often occur more frequently in the young, aged between 10 and 30. This can often be observed during puberty and pregnancy, stages in life where a hormonal change may have occurred, thus influencing the skin's healing process.

Poor Wound Healing

Infections, poor wound care, or even stress on healing skin are the factors that initiate keloid formation.
These risk factors help identify susceptible individuals, especially those prone to developing scars on the face and other visible areas.

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Diagnosis of Keloid Scars

Properly diagnosing keloid scars entails a physical examination where the doctor will look for distinguishing features of keloids. Subsequent diagnostics may include:

Medical History Review

A doctor will ask for the history of the wound, injury, or procedure that led to the keloid formation.

Skin Biopsy

A biopsy is sometimes performed because, though rare, it can be used to rule out other skin growths and conditions.
Diagnosing a keloid early can help in determining the most effective keloid treatment plan, potentially reducing the likelihood of further growth.

Treatment and Management of Keloid Scars

There is no single treatment guaranteed to eliminate keloids, and they are prone to recurrence. However, a combination of therapies can effectively reduce their size and discomfort. Keloid treatment options include:

1. Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and collagen production, shrink the keloid, and relieve symptoms. Multiple injections are often required.

2. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy involves freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen, which can help reduce its size. This treatment is usually more effective for smaller keloids.

3. Laser Therapy

Laser treatment can improve keloid appearance by reducing redness and flattening the scar.

4. Surgical Excision

For large or bothersome keloids, surgical removal might be recommended. However, there is a high risk of recurrence, so this is often combined with other treatments.

5. Pressure Therapy

Wearing pressure garments over the keloid can reduce blood flow, minimising the scar's growth.

6. Silicone Sheets or Gels

Applying silicone sheets or gel to the scar can soften and flatten it over time.

7. Alternative and Natural Remedies

Some people explore how to flatten keloid scars naturally with remedies like onion extract or apple cider vinegar, though their effectiveness is anecdotal and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Keloid self-care is necessary for patients. Such care should be of good wound hygiene, moisturising, and avoiding sun exposure, which will help them manage symptoms and avoid worse conditions for the keloid. Whether it is to learn what a keloid is or look for keloid scar removal and treatment techniques, keloid scar management requires patience and consistency.

Moreover, such treatments can be a bit price. Therefore, it is ideal to opt for a comprehensive health insurance, such as Star Health insurance, to prioritise your well-being.