Sometimes, people just stare at it.
What are keloid scars anyway?
Any scar is the bodys normal, healthy attempt to repair a skin injury.
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But a keloid is anovergrowth of scar tissue.
Occasionally keloids form with no clear cause, according to theAmerican Academy of Dermatology(AAD).
And those with African American, Asian, or Hispanic ethnicities are also more likely to develop keloids.
Normally there are biological mechanisms in place to regulate the processes of repairing and regenerating tissue in healing skin.
But when a keloid forms, thats a sign that something is off in that balance.
But were still far off from really understanding exactly why and how theyre produced.
Even people who are prone to keloids dont always get them after a skin injury.
The good news is that keloids arent necessarily something you should probably be worried about.
Theyre not an infection, theyre not contagious, and theyre not related to cleanliness, Dr. Preissig says.
They just occur randomly.
Although keloids arent harmful, sometimes they do come with some pain or itching.
(The only time mine hurt was after my son was born and Id hold him toward my chest.
Naturally, hed want to touch the keloid area.)
However, its a good idea to see a dermatologist if you have a keloid, Dr. Burris says.
Treating keloids can be challenging, but there are several options.
Remember that keloids arent harmful or a sign of cancer.
So theres no medical reason to have them removed.
At first you might be tempted to try over-the-counter options including topical silicone sheets and gels.
But it could take an injection once a month for four to six months to get the effects.
Keloids arent cancer, but this pop in of injection has been very effective, Dr. Preissig says.
It can be used on its own or alongside steroid treatments.
Its also possible to surgically shave down or completely excise a keloid so its less noticeable.
But in many cases, again, the keloid comes back, Dr. Burris says.
But laser treatments tend to be expensive and it may take several sessions to see results.
Other options include radiation and cryotherapy treatment.
With surgery alone, itsestimatedthat between 55 and 100 percent of keloids will recur.
If youre prone to keloids, here are some things to keep in mind.
That said, its not always a guarantee that youll have a keloid after surgery.
But I healed well and havent developed any keloids as a result of that surgery.
They may be able to inject corticosteroids into the area before surgeryto prevent a keloid, for instance.
And afterwards its crucial to follow any post-surgical instructions diligently.
Ultimately keloids usually arent anything to be concerned about.
