Keloid

Definition

A keloid is a type of raised scar that forms due to an overproduction of collagen during the healing process following an injury to the skin. Keloids extend beyond the original wound area and can vary in size, shape, and color. They often occur in individuals with darker skin tones and can be itchy or painful, making them a significant concern in the context of wound healing and skin disorders.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Keloids can develop after any type of skin injury, including surgery, cuts, acne, or piercings, as they are a result of the body's healing response.
2. They are more common in individuals aged 10 to 30 and are particularly prevalent among people with darker skin due to genetic predispositions.
3. Keloids do not typically regress over time and can remain for years or even a lifetime without treatment.
4. Treatment options for keloids include corticosteroid injections, surgical removal, laser therapy, and silicone gel sheets, though they may recur after treatment.
5. Unlike hypertrophic scars, which may improve over time and remain within the bounds of the original injury, keloids can grow larger than the initial injury site.

Review Questions

• How do keloids differ from hypertrophic scars in terms of their formation and characteristics?
  • Keloids and hypertrophic scars both result from abnormal healing processes but differ in their characteristics. Keloids extend beyond the original wound area, forming raised scars that can grow larger than the injury itself. In contrast, hypertrophic scars remain within the boundaries of the original injury and may improve over time. This distinction is crucial for understanding the different approaches needed for their management and treatment.
• Discuss the potential risk factors that contribute to the development of keloids in certain individuals.
  • Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing keloids, including age, skin type, and family history. Keloids are more common in individuals aged 10 to 30 years and are especially prevalent among those with darker skin tones due to genetic predispositions. A personal or family history of keloid formation also heightens an individual's risk. Understanding these risk factors can help healthcare professionals identify at-risk patients and tailor preventive measures or treatments accordingly.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of various treatment options for keloids and their potential long-term outcomes.
  • Treatment options for keloids include corticosteroid injections, surgical removal, laser therapy, and silicone gel sheets. While corticosteroid injections can help flatten keloids by reducing inflammation and collagen production, they may not completely eliminate them. Surgical removal can be effective but carries a risk of recurrence. Laser therapy may improve appearance but often requires multiple sessions for optimal results. The choice of treatment must consider individual factors like the size and location of the keloid, as well as patient preferences regarding aesthetics and potential side effects.

Related terms

Hypertrophic Scar: A raised scar that remains within the boundaries of the original wound but is similar in appearance to a keloid.

Collagen: A protein that helps form the structure of skin, tendons, and other connective tissues, playing a crucial role in wound healing.

Fibroblasts: Cells that produce collagen and other fibers, essential for the formation and remodeling of connective tissue during wound healing.