What is a keloid?
A keloid is a type of lesion that develops when thickened, excessive tissue resulting from a scar creates a firm, thick, rubbery, smooth scar that over takes the original scar site. It looks like a wad of gum or rubbery smooth skin that is tight and shiny.
Keloids can result from:
- Having your ear pierced
- Falling and scraping your knee
- Insect bits
- Ingrown hairs
- Acne lesions
- Burns
- Scratches
Do they have symptoms associated with them?
Yes, keloids can be painful, they can itch, they can decrease the range of motion in the skin, which can cause stretching and strain. Keloids are not infections at the scar sites, but if a keloid becomes irritated or exposed to bacteria, it can become infected.
Can Keloids be removed?
Keloids are difficult to remove – and there is NO good treatment.
To reduce their size, Keloids can be:
- Surgically excised completely
- Injected with steroids
- Have pressure bandages applied
- Have topical creams applied to them