It is estimated that at least 100 million people worldwide suffer from Keloid. The growths are often considered a cosmetic defect, by do know its more than just a skin deep issue.
Keloid is the overproduction of scar tissue on the skin after an injury or even a piercing. It is the result of a healing process gone wrong, causing an irregular buildup of collagen. Keloid occurs when growths grow beyond the area of the wound. Though these raised bumps can for on any area of the skin, they are more likely to occur on the chest, back, shoulders, and ear lobes.
Keloid is a process that people of all ages and skin tones can be affected by. While scarring is usually the result of an underlying illness or medical trauma, keloids are a medical condition that affects the skin.
Keloid treatments can range from minimally invasive to major reconstructive surgery. The most suitable option depends on the size and location of the keloid. Some treatment options include steroid injections, silicone gel sheets, lasers and cryotherapy.
Steroid injections, also known as intralesional corticosteroids, are injections of corticosteroid medication directly in and around the keloid. This is done to reduce the collagen production and can provide some degree of successful management of keloids. There needs to be periodic follow-up treatments to keep the growth from reappearing.
Silicone gel sheets can be applied directly to the keloid and are a non-invasive way to treat the lesion. The sheets stimulate the bodys own normal healing abilities and help hydrate the keloid, which can make it more pliable.
Lasers are also used to treat keloids. Lasers reduce the growths by targeting and removing the collagen in the area. They also help shrink the lesion and make it flatter.
Cryotherapy is another option for treating keloids. Cryotherapy involves freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen or other types of gases. This causes the tissue to shrink, making it easier to manage.
Keloids can be irritating, uncomfortable and even painful. Treatment is necessary to prevent them from returning or getting bigger. Though the scar may never go away entirely, treatments can reduce their size and severity.