Keloid: Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Keloid | |||
| image = [[File:Keloid,_Post_Surgical.JPG|250px]] | |||
| caption = A keloid on the shoulder following surgery | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| synonyms = Keloidal scar | |||
| symptoms = Raised, thickened, and often itchy scar | |||
| complications = [[Pain]], [[itching]], [[cosmetic]] concerns | |||
| onset = Can occur weeks to months after skin injury | |||
| duration = Can be permanent | |||
| causes = [[Excessive collagen]] production during [[wound healing]] | |||
| risks = [[Genetic predisposition]], [[skin trauma]], [[surgery]], [[piercings]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]] based on appearance | |||
| differential = [[Hypertrophic scar]], [[dermatofibroma]], [[dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of unnecessary skin trauma, use of [[pressure therapy]] | |||
| treatment = [[Corticosteroid injections]], [[laser therapy]], [[surgical removal]], [[cryotherapy]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable; may recur after treatment | |||
| frequency = More common in individuals with darker skin tones | |||
}} | |||
Keloids are a type of hypertrophic [[scar]] that develop as an abnormal response to skin healing following injury or inflammation. Characterized by their hard, thick, and raised appearance, keloids result from an overproduction of [[collagen]] in the skin during the healing process. | Keloids are a type of hypertrophic [[scar]] that develop as an abnormal response to skin healing following injury or inflammation. Characterized by their hard, thick, and raised appearance, keloids result from an overproduction of [[collagen]] in the skin during the healing process. | ||
[[File:Keloid tumor.jpg|thumb|Keloid tumor]] | [[File:Keloid tumor.jpg|left|thumb|Keloid tumor]] | ||
=== Definition and Description === | === Definition and Description === | ||
A keloid is a specific type of scar that, unlike typical scars, extends beyond the boundaries of the original wound. They tend to be firm, raised, and may sometimes cause discomfort or itchiness. Their color can vary from pink to red or even dark brown, depending on individual skin tone and the age of the scar. | A keloid is a specific type of scar that, unlike typical scars, extends beyond the boundaries of the original wound. They tend to be firm, raised, and may sometimes cause discomfort or itchiness. Their color can vary from pink to red or even dark brown, depending on individual skin tone and the age of the scar. | ||
=== Pathophysiology === | === Pathophysiology === | ||
The exact cause of keloid formation is not completely understood, but it is believed to be associated with an overactive healing response. When the skin is injured, the body produces collagen to repair the wound. In individuals prone to keloid formation, an excessive amount of collagen is produced, leading to a thick, raised scar. | The exact cause of keloid formation is not completely understood, but it is believed to be associated with an overactive healing response. When the skin is injured, the body produces collagen to repair the wound. In individuals prone to keloid formation, an excessive amount of collagen is produced, leading to a thick, raised scar. | ||
=== Risk Factors === | === Risk Factors === | ||
Certain individuals and populations are more prone to developing keloids. These include those with darker skin tones, individuals with a family history of keloids, and those in their teenage years and early adulthood. Certain locations on the body, such as the chest, back, shoulders, and earlobes, are also more susceptible. | Certain individuals and populations are more prone to developing keloids. These include those with darker skin tones, individuals with a family history of keloids, and those in their teenage years and early adulthood. Certain locations on the body, such as the chest, back, shoulders, and earlobes, are also more susceptible. | ||
=== Treatment === | === Treatment === | ||
Treatment of keloids can be challenging, as they often recur after removal. Current treatments include [[corticosteroid]] injections, laser therapy, [[cryotherapy]], and surgical removal. In some cases, radiation therapy may be used. However, it's important to note that while these treatments can improve the appearance of keloids, they do not completely eliminate the possibility of recurrence. | Treatment of keloids can be challenging, as they often recur after removal. Current treatments include [[corticosteroid]] injections, laser therapy, [[cryotherapy]], and surgical removal. In some cases, radiation therapy may be used. However, it's important to note that while these treatments can improve the appearance of keloids, they do not completely eliminate the possibility of recurrence. | ||
=== Prevention === | === Prevention === | ||
Preventing keloid formation involves avoiding unnecessary skin trauma when possible, particularly in individuals who are at a higher risk. For necessary wounds, such as surgical incisions, silicone sheets or gels can be used to reduce the likelihood of keloid formation. | Preventing keloid formation involves avoiding unnecessary skin trauma when possible, particularly in individuals who are at a higher risk. For necessary wounds, such as surgical incisions, silicone sheets or gels can be used to reduce the likelihood of keloid formation. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Scar]] | * [[Scar]] | ||
* [[Collagen]] | * [[Collagen]] | ||
Latest revision as of 01:35, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Keloid | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Keloidal scar |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Raised, thickened, and often itchy scar |
| Complications | Pain, itching, cosmetic concerns |
| Onset | Can occur weeks to months after skin injury |
| Duration | Can be permanent |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Excessive collagen production during wound healing |
| Risks | Genetic predisposition, skin trauma, surgery, piercings |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis based on appearance |
| Differential diagnosis | Hypertrophic scar, dermatofibroma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans |
| Prevention | Avoidance of unnecessary skin trauma, use of pressure therapy |
| Treatment | Corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, surgical removal, cryotherapy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable; may recur after treatment |
| Frequency | More common in individuals with darker skin tones |
| Deaths | N/A |
Keloids are a type of hypertrophic scar that develop as an abnormal response to skin healing following injury or inflammation. Characterized by their hard, thick, and raised appearance, keloids result from an overproduction of collagen in the skin during the healing process.
Definition and Description[edit]
A keloid is a specific type of scar that, unlike typical scars, extends beyond the boundaries of the original wound. They tend to be firm, raised, and may sometimes cause discomfort or itchiness. Their color can vary from pink to red or even dark brown, depending on individual skin tone and the age of the scar.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The exact cause of keloid formation is not completely understood, but it is believed to be associated with an overactive healing response. When the skin is injured, the body produces collagen to repair the wound. In individuals prone to keloid formation, an excessive amount of collagen is produced, leading to a thick, raised scar.
Risk Factors[edit]
Certain individuals and populations are more prone to developing keloids. These include those with darker skin tones, individuals with a family history of keloids, and those in their teenage years and early adulthood. Certain locations on the body, such as the chest, back, shoulders, and earlobes, are also more susceptible.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of keloids can be challenging, as they often recur after removal. Current treatments include corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, cryotherapy, and surgical removal. In some cases, radiation therapy may be used. However, it's important to note that while these treatments can improve the appearance of keloids, they do not completely eliminate the possibility of recurrence.
Prevention[edit]
Preventing keloid formation involves avoiding unnecessary skin trauma when possible, particularly in individuals who are at a higher risk. For necessary wounds, such as surgical incisions, silicone sheets or gels can be used to reduce the likelihood of keloid formation.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
- "Keloid". MedlinePlus. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- "Keloid". American Academy of Dermatology. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
- "Treatment of Keloids". American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
