Keloid: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

A Keloid can be characterized as a scar tissue or fibrous tissue formation over the wound in order to protect and repair the injury. This is caused at the time of skin injury. In certain cases, there is a rapid growth of scar tissue, forming smooth and hard growths known as keloids. These scars tissues can be much larger than the original wound itself. Keloids are most commonly found on the cheeks, earlobes, shoulders, and chest. However, these scar tissues can affect any part of the body. Although, these tissues will not harm you in any way, they may develop cosmetic concerns.

When you develop a keloid scar, it is safe to assume that it was the body’s attempt to heal itself. The decision of treatment may be a tricky one. After the removal of scar tissue, it may recur, and sometimes it grows back in an even larger form. There are a number of treatments associated with keloid. It includes corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation, radiation therapy to shrink keloids, surgery, laser treatments for the removal of scar tissue, using silicone gel pads or pressure after an injury, or to freeze the tissue to kill skin cells.

Several reasons can cause an overgrowth of scar tissues. There can be many reasons behind it, although one of the most common reasons for Keloids is ear piercing. During the healing process, the scar tissues will replace the new healthy ones. This starts to develop a buildup of scar tissues leading to Keloids.

Other than that, here are some other reasons which may be the reason for Keloids:

• Surgical scars
• Acne
• Chickenpox
• Insect bites
• Tattoos

Summary: There are many reasons why skin scars overgrow into Keloids. One of the most common reasons is artificial scarring of the skin.

Certain family physicians, plastic surgeons and dermatologists generally diagnose and treat the scar tissues called keloids with the occasional help of therapeutic radiologists.

Corticosteroid injections or intralesional steroids are considered safe but are generally painful. Usually, the injections are given once every 4 to 8 weeks into the scar tissues to help flatten them. However, steroid injections tend to make the flattened scar tissues redder by the stimulation of superficial blood vessels. After this treatment is done, the keloid may look better than the previous condition, but even the best results would somehow look and feel a bit different than the surrounding area. The keloids can be flattened by the use of a pulsed-dye laser which also makes it look less red than the treatment of steroids. This treatment is usually safer and less painful, but a number of treatment sessions may be required. On the other hand, surgical treatment method of keloids is associated with cutting the scar tissues. Some surgeons are able to achieve success by applying compression or injecting steroids to the wound site for a few months to be effective. After surgical excision is done, radiation treatment has been found to be quite effective. Doctors have reported that radiation for the treatment of keloids is safe and highly effective.

An individual who does not have any underlying or severe illness or disorder can have this treatment done. Also, a person who wants his scar tissue removed and have clear skin, is included on the list of people who are eligible.

Children, pregnant women, those who have an underlying medical condition which is still untreated, or those affected by a chronic illness are not eligible for receiving the treatment of keloids.

Common side effects include scarring, burning sensation, redness of the treated area, swelling, or moderate to severe irritation to the feeling of a sunburn. In case of rare side effects there will be a change in skin pigmentation.

After the treatment of laser resurfacing or radiation therapy, the treated will be itchy, raw and swollen. Your doctor will apply or ask you to apply a thick ointment on the treated area, or you might have to cover that particular area with a watertight or an airtight dressing. In order to relive pain, your doctor will recommend you a few over-the-counter medications for relief. You should also apply an ice pack on the treated area for swelling and redness. In case you notice something odd or unusual with the colour or texture of the treated area, or are undergoing immense pain, you must immediately contact your doctor.

It takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks for the scar tissues to become red and shrink with the continuous therapy of steroid injections, radiation or surgery.

The price of treatment ranges between Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000.

Small keloids are easily treated with a number of different methods. Usually, a series of steroidal injections injected into the affected area is the safest and simplest approach. It is important for the patient to understand that the scar tissues will never entirely disappear but will likely become flatter and less symptomatic. It is more difficult to treat larger lesions.

The effects of tea trees on Keloids scars are still under research. The direct effects of the oil on the scar tissues are unknown. Tea tree oil is known to aid the recovery of scars as it has antibacterial properties. Furthermore, it decreases bacterial growth which aids recovery of the treated Keloids.

Summary: The direct effects of the oil on the scar tissues is unknown. Tea tree oil is known to aid the recovery of scars as it has antibacterial properties.

Moisturizing oils, interferon, cryotherapy, and chemotherapeutic injections like bleomycin and fluorouracil are the alternative treatment methods for the treatment of keloids.

Conclusion: Keloid is a skin informality that is made up of scar tissues. Several reasons can cause an overgrowth of scar tissues. If not treated properly it can overgrow from its previous size. It is important to consult a doctor for the right course of treatment.