Keloids
What are keloids?
Keloids are scars that overgrow the edges of the wounds, formed as a result of immune responses on skin appendages. It usually consists of collagen. The main difference between keloids and hypertrophic scars is that the latter does not overstep the boundaries of the wound. It is known that keloids mainly form in areas of high skin tension. It is also associated with certain syndromes, such as the Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, scleroderma, and Touraine-Solente-Golé syndrome.
Keloids need to be treated in a timely manner. Book your appointment to find out more.
Keloid treatment methods
minor keloid (red)
There is no uniform treatment plan for keloids, and the outcome various by the timing of presentation.
Steroid injections are best in the early stages. Steroids have been shown to reduce the collagen gene expression. Silicone gel sheeting is recommended alongside it.
Slowly-changing keloids where months, or even years, have passed, respond poorly to steroids and silicone gel sheeting. This being the case the keloid is surgically removed, and adjuvant therapy, such as intralesional steroid injection, silicone gel sheeting and pressure therapy, are recommended to prevent recurrences.
Close follow-up is crucial to prevent recurrences.
Short-term low-dose radiation therapy straight after surgical removal is known to reduce recurrences,
major keloid (dark)
These respond poorly to treatment and are prone to recurrences even after surgery and adjuvant therapy. If it recurs the keloid will be larger and more difficult to control. Provided that the patient is not young, then radiation therapy may be administered.