Introduction
When skin is injured, an area of fibrous tissue called a scar (or scar tissue) replaces the healthy skin. Scars are a biological byproduct of the wound-healing process. Scarring is, therefore, an inevitable byproduct of healing. Every wound (such as those caused by an injury, illness, or surgery) leaves some scarring behind, except very small lesions.
Animals capable of total regeneration are an exception to this rule, as they can regenerate tissue completely scar-free. Scar tissue is made of the same protein (collagen) as the tissue it replaces, but the protein's fiber composition is different. At the same time, collagen fibers in normal tissue form a random basketweave. In fibrosis, the collagen cross-links and produces a noticeable alignment in a single direction.
What Are Keloid Scar?
"Keloid scar," also known as keloid scar or keloidal disorder, refers to an enlarged, elevated scar that may be pink, red, skin-colored, or darker than the surrounding skin. They may form as results of abnormal wound healing. They may develop at the location of a piercing or even from a small cut or pimple. In addition, they can develop from deep scarring from chicken pox or severe acne, an infection at the site of a wound, repeated trauma to the area, high pressure from stitches during wound closure, or a foreign body in a wound. They could appear when a wound starts to heal or, they might take months or even years to appear.
Keloids scars differ from hypertrophic scars as they grow beyond the edges of the site of injury.
Why do Keloid Scars Form?
Keloid scars developed from an abnormal wound healing in response to skin injury or inflammation. Collagen, a protein that makes up the fibers in the skin, is produced and broken down in a balanced manner. The fibroblasts, which are skin cells, produce an excessive amount of collagen in keloid scars. The exact origin of this excess collagen formation is unknown. Moreover, the collagen fibers are wider and thicker. The resultant thick, elevated appearance. However, if persons already have a keloid scar, they are more prone to developing another keloid scar.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Keloid scars?
The signs and symptoms of keloid scar include:
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Shiny hairless, raised rubbery scars.
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Pink or red in color.
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Commonly appear on the neck, mid-chest, lower legs, back, ears, and arms.
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Itching or needle-like pain.
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Discomfort.
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The degree of sensation changes from person to person.
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Sometimes do not develop till months or years after the initial injury and can persist for years.
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Keloid scars may enlarge in size than the original wound. In some cases they may extend by many centimeters.
What Are the Diagnostic Option Available for Keloid Scars?
The diagnostic options available for keloid scar include:
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Physical Examination - Dermatologists usually diagnose keloids by reviewing the patient's medical history and physically examining the scar to determine its size, shape, and growth pattern.
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Skin Biopsy - The doctor may also advise a skin biopsy to rule out more serious disorders such as lobomycosis, a skin infection caused by a fungus, or nodular scleroderma, a form of connective tissue disease.
What Are the Treatment for Keloid Scars?
The treatment option available for keloid scars include the following:
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Surgery - After surgery, keloid scarring can occur at a high rate. The doctor may recommend surgical removal in the case of particularly large keloids or an old keloid scar. The removal of a large keloid may exceed the danger of post-operative scarring.
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Pressure Therapy - Pressure therapy is a very effective treatment for keloid scar by applying pressure on the scar region and reducing the blood flow. Pressure therapy can be used either as a device or a specific cloth. However, this may be uncomfortable for patients wearing 12 to 20 hours daily for 6 to 12 months.
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Corticosteroid Injections - Doctors may also recommend a series of corticosteroid injections to eliminate the keloid scars. The first few days after the injection, the symptoms may relieve and make the scar softer slowly, and finally, it may induce the scar to shrink. The chance of recurrent keloid scar growth after the injections may be higher after a few years.
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Laser Treatment - The doctor may suggest laser treatment for keloid scars. The intense light beams of laser may resurface the skin around the keloid and produce a smoother, more toned appearance. Most laser treatments may be combined with other treatments like pressure therapy or corticosteroid injections. Other types of skin scarring can also be treated using laser treatment.
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Radiations - Superficial radiation therapy with a minimal amount can be used after the keloid surgeries to reduce the regrowth of keloid scars.
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Ligature - A surgical thread can also be tied around the keloid and these thread may help to cut the keloid scar resulting in its detachment. It is recommended to tie a fresh surgical thread around the keloid around two to three weeks.
What Are the Prevention of Keloid Scars?
Keloid scarring treatments can be challenging and even ineffective. Therefore, it is essential to make an effort to avoid skin injuries that might result in keloid scarring.
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Avoid elective surgery, tattoos, or body piercings since keloids may develop afterward.
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Scars should also be treated immediately because immediate treatment may speed up skin healing and reduce the chance of scarring.
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Consult a dermatologist for advice on appropriately treating and dressing a wound if it develops. By doing this, avoid getting keloid scars.
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Applying silicone gel or pressure pads after an injury may help to avoid keloids. The scar tissue may turn darker than the surrounding skin due to sun damage or tanning. This may make the keloid more noticeable.
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Keep the scar always covered to avoid discoloration when exposed to the sun. The scar tissue may turn darker than the surrounding skin due to sun damage. This may make the keloid scar more noticeable.
Conclusion
Keloid scars may result in abnormal wound healing. Keloids typically do not harm the health and rarely have negative side effects. However, keloids that are visible and prominent, such as those found on the face, may also have an effect on a person's self-esteem, and treatment may help with that. In addition, a keloid can be treated anytime, even years after it first develops. Therefore, if a scar hurts anyone, consult a dermatologist immediately and have it examined.
