You may have heard of this type of scar, but what is it exactly? Keloids are basically abnormal scars that grow beyond the boundary of the original injury site. They are characterized by a raised and ill-defined growth of skin in that area, featuring a raised appearance that looks red and may be itchy at times.
Not everyone who gets a scar will develop a keloid, says the American Academy of Dermatology. Those who have keloid-prone skin, however, can more easily get one when they suffer a burn, cut or even severe acne. Some people get a keloid after piercing their ears or getting a tattoo. A keloid can pop up as the result of chickenpox, or as the result of a surgical scar.
Risk Groups
Keloid scars can form on just about anyone, but some ethnic groups are at a greater risk of development, such as African Americans and Hispanics. For these groups, keloid scars are 15 times more prevalent than in Caucasians.
Particular areas of the body seem to be more prone to developing keloids, too, such as the upper arm, upper back, sternum, earlobes and the back of the neck. Because keloid scars grow past the site of the wound and take over normal healthy skin tissue, they can be more noticeable than other types and thus harder to treat.
As these raised scars grow and develop, you may start to feel a bit of pain or itchiness at the site. In addition, keloids that cover a joint or large area of skin can decrease your ability to move that part of your body easily, such as on a knee, elbow or stomach.
Why Keloids Grow Unnaturally
Scientists suspect these abnormal scars form due to changes in the signals transmitted by cells at the wound site. Those cells instruct the body to produce more fibrous tissue than is necessary – even long after the wound has closed. Some solutions to these include laser treatments, steroids, radiotherapy, surgical removal and cortisone injections. One or a combination of two or more approaches can be used in extreme cases. But even over-the-counter ointments can help in the treatment of keloid scars.
Solutions
In fact, the most convenient, affordable, non-invasive, and effective way to reduce the appearance of scars is to use a scientifically-proven topical treatment such as Scarfade. This product helps the body regulate its production of collagen and thus reduce the appearance of scars.
It’s a good idea to have a tube or two handy for when cuts and other injuries happen. Use it twice daily as directed, massaging it into your skin to promote healing.