Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars

Keloid scar refers to a firm, smooth, and hard growth that results from the spontaneous scar formation. It can appear almost right after an injury or take a few months to develop. Keloids may be uncomfortable or itchy. Moreover, they can extend beyond the original wound site. They may form anywhere on the body, especially, the upper chest and shoulders.

The reasons why wound healing would sometimes lead to the formation of keloid scar has not been discovered yet.

Majority of people do not form keloids, while others can develop them after minor injuries, acne spots, burns, and insect bites. Individuals with dark skin develop keloids easier in comparison with Caucasian individuals.

A keloid is considered to be harmless to general health and does not develop into skin cancer.

As the wound heals, scar tissue forms, which is red and prominent in the beginning. The scar becomes pale and flat after several months. However, if there is a lot of tension on a healing wound, the healing area would be thicker than usual. This condition refers to the hypertrophic scar. A hypertrophic scar is only limited to the damaged skin site.

A hypertrophic scar is able to settle over time or, in some cases, it may require treatment. Meanwhile, a keloid scar may persist and would be resistant to treatment.

There are some of the general measures that can be helpful for some patients. For example, they are often treated with various emollients, such as creams and oils. There are also polyurethane or silicone scar reduction patches, silicone gel, and pressure dressings. Scar dressings are required to be worn for 12 to 24 hours per day for 8-12 weeks at least.

Cryotherapy can also be used as a treatment method. The procedure involves freezing the scar tissue in order to kill cells that correspond to the formation of keloid scars. The surgical excision may be beneficial in some cases. However, due to keloid’s nature, excision may stimulate the formation of new keloid(s) that would be even larger than the original one.

Lastly, intralesional steroid injection could be another treatment option, This injection involves usage of corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone acetonide that is directly injected into a lesion on or just below the skin. This procedure has to be repeated every few weeks.

Centre for Medical and Surgical Dermatology offers unique and personalized treatment options for keloid and hypertrophic scars for each patient.