Keloid

Skin | Dermatology | Keloid (Disease)


Description

A keloid, sometimes referred to as a keloid scar, is a tough heaped-up scar that rises quite abruptly above the rest of the skin. It usually has a smooth top and a pink or purple color. Keloids are irregularly shaped and tend to enlarge progressively. Unlike scars, keloids do not subside over time.

Healing takes place in several phases: (1) Inflammatory (within 24-48 hours); (2) Proliferative (through week 2-3); (3) Remodeling (up to 1 year). Initially, the scar tends to be red, and surrounding tissues are hardened. They gradually diminish and disappear, resulting in a scar supple, slightly paler than the surrounding tissue.

It is influenced by factors such as infection, presence of hematoma, malnutrition. For as little scar to be visible is needed afrontare (alignment) perfect wound edge and restraint area.

Causes and Risk factors

There is not a clear understanding why keloids form in certain people or situations and not in others. Changes in the cellular signals that control growth and proliferation may be related to the process of keloid formation, but these changes have not yet been characterized scientifically.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Surgical excision of a keloid scar is not recommended because the risk of a larger keloid is very high. If located on a fold of flexion (neck, elbow, fingers) and is likely to hinder the movements required surgery. Before resorting to surgery to try less aggressive treatments such as application of elastic bandages, compression on the entire period of wound healing, local injection of steroids for isolated scars or cured silicone gel. ...