Keloid: What It Means and How to Recognize This Type of Scar? Useful Recommendations for Your Skin Care

Our skin has a particularly important role: that of an essential protective barrier. For this reason, it is constantly subjected to aggressions from the environment. Whether it’s a simple scratch, surgery, or a burn, any injury can leave behind a scar. In some cases, the healing process can take an undesirable turn, leading to the formation of prominent and unsightly scars. These are known as keloid scars.

Find out more about these scars and how to care for your skin to minimize the risk of their formation or to improve their appearance!

Keloid: what does it mean and why does it appear?

The term “keloid” comes either from the Greek “kele”, meaning swelling or hump, or from the Greek “khele”, meaning “claw”. Also, “keloid” is composed of “eidos”, meaning shape or appearance. Thus, the term describes the tumorous, fibrous, and elongated growth appearance seen in some scars.

Next, we will explore the characteristics and causes of keloid scar formation.

What are keloid scars?

Keloid scars are excessive growths of fibrous scar tissue that form at the site of a skin injury. Unlike regular scars, which remain within the boundaries of the initial wound, these extend beyond them, invading the surrounding healthy tissue. They have a raised, firm, shiny appearance and can vary in color from pink to dark red or even brown.

Although not dangerous to health, these scars can cause physical discomfort and can have consequences on the aesthetic appearance and emotional state of the affected person.

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Keloid and scar – what are the causes of their appearance?

The exact cause of keloid formation is not fully understood, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of triggering factors:

• genetic predisposition;
• skin type – darker skin being at higher risk;
• wound location: the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and upper back are more prone to keloid formation;
• type of injury: burns, surgeries, severe acne, vaccinations, piercings, and even minor scratches can trigger keloid formation;
• tension on the wound: areas subjected to constant tension, such as joints, are more susceptible to developing keloids;
• wound infections;
• age between 10 and 30 years.

Of course, not all wounds lead to keloid formation, not even in people predisposed to them. However, if you notice a scar that is growing rapidly, extending beyond the original wound edges, or causing discomfort, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. They will be able to provide an evaluation and appropriate treatment to manage discomfort and potential complications.

Keloid scars: symptoms and characteristic signs

These scars are distinguished by a series of characteristic symptoms and signs. Thus, regarding physical appearance, keloids:

• extend beyond the initial wound margins, invading the surrounding healthy tissue;
• have a firm, thickened texture, being raised above the level of the surrounding skin;
• vary in shades: they can be pink, red, dark brown, and only very rarely, skin-colored;
• are shiny and smooth and do not have hair follicles or sweat glands;
• shapes vary, being irregular and asymmetrical.

Keloid: symptoms you may experience

Regarding keloid signs, they manifest through:

• Itching. This is a common symptom associated with keloids. Most of the time, it is intense and persistent, therefore very bothersome.
• Pain or sensitivity. Some keloids can be painful or sensitive to touch, especially in the early stages of formation.
• Stiffness. Depending on the location, keloids can restrict joint movement, causing a feeling of tightness.
• Aesthetic discomfort. Due to their prominent and unsightly appearance, they can significantly affect the self-confidence and self-image of the affected person.
• Anxiety and depression. In some cases, it can even lead to anxiety, depression, or social isolation.

Last but not least, depending on the location and severity, keloids can limit certain activities or discourage the affected person from wearing certain clothing items.

All these symptoms can vary in intensity from person to person and can evolve over time. If you experience any of them, it would be best to consult a dermatologist immediately.

Does keloid appearance differ from that of other scars?

The characteristic appearance of keloids makes them easy to recognize, thus difficult to confuse with other scars. However, for a better understanding, a comparative analysis can be useful. Besides keloid scars, there are other types of scars:

• Hypertrophic scars

Although they have the same raised and firm appearance, the distinction is that they remain within the wound’s boundaries, without extending to the surrounding healthy tissue. The color is pink or red, and they can appear in any area of the body, without higher-risk zones. Unlike keloid scars, they stop growing after a few months. Frequent causes include wound tension, as with keloids, as well as some specific causes, such as excess collagen during wound healing.

• Atrophic scars

Atrophic scars are sunken below the skin level, having either its color or a white hue. They do not grow or spread, but remain stable and are asymptomatic. They most often appear on the face, after acne or chickenpox episodes. They are treated with dermal fillers, laser, or microdermabrasion.

• Contracture scars

As their name suggests, contracture scars have a tight appearance, resulting from the skin contracting around them. They do not have distinct colors from the skin, but they can deform the affected area. They usually appear at the site of severe burns or deep wounds and can restrict movement. Treatment options include surgery, physiotherapy, and skin grafts.

Each type of scar requires a specific therapeutic approach, tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Thus, specialized medical consultation is essential. Furthermore, an accurate diagnosis allows the doctor to provide the patient with realistic information about the likely evolution of the scar and the expected results of treatment. This way, unrealistic expectations and disappointments are avoided.

Keloid scar: prevention methods and useful recommendations

It cannot be claimed that there is a safe, effective, and complete prevention method for keloid formation. However, there are some strategies and recommendations that can reduce the risk of their appearance or minimize their aesthetic and psychological effects.

If you have a personal or family history of keloids, inform your doctor before any surgical procedure or treatment that may affect your skin. With this information, in case of surgical interventions, the doctor may choose to make incisions in areas less prone to keloid formation. At the same time, special surgical techniques can be used, designed specifically to minimize tension at the wound level.

How to properly clean a wound?

Proper wound care is essential to prevent infections, which are a risk factor for keloid formation. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding wound cleaning and dressing, and be careful to protect the healing area from further trauma. Any bump or scratch that delays healing can increase the risk of keloid formation. Last but not least, allow scabs to detach naturally. Forcibly removing them can damage the skin and promote keloid formation.

Scar evolution can be stopped, and scar appearance can be improved

Keloids and scars can be a source of aesthetic and emotional discomfort. However, beyond accepting them as natural, there are multiple actions that can improve their appearance or stop the deterioration of surrounding tissue.

• First, applying constant pressure on the scar using elastic bandages can help prevent excessive scar tissue growth. Similarly, using compression garments to maintain the scar can be helpful in this regard.
• Additionally, regular application of silicone gel to the scar surface can help maintain hydration, reduce itching, and improve appearance.
• Last but not least, protect the scar from sun exposure using a cream with a high sun protection factor. Sun can darken the scar, making it more visible.

General recommendations for skin protection

If you desire healthy skin, more resistant to wounds, and thus less prone to keloids, it is important to have a balanced lifestyle.

• Adopt a healthy diet. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals will contribute to your skin’s health. In some cases, supplementing your diet with collagen can be beneficial for skin health. For example, Premium Aronia Collagen 10,000 mg offers you a concentrated dose of hydrolyzed collagen, easily absorbed by the body. Additionally, the formula contains other essential nutrients for beauty, such as biotin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins, which act synergistically to provide you with remarkable results.

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• Avoid smoking. Smoking affects blood circulation and can delay healing, increasing the risk of abnormal scar formation.
• Learn to manage your stress. Stress can affect the immune system and influence the healing process. Learn to control it through relaxation techniques, physical exercise, or other activities that help you feel good.
• If you are prone to keloids, avoid piercings and tattoos, as these can trigger the formation of new keloids.

In any case, if a particular scar bothers you, consult a dermatologist to receive specialized care and personalized advice.

In conclusion, with proper skin care, correct information, and adequate treatment, you can achieve remarkable results in improving the appearance of scars. Remember that every skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for you and vice versa. Therefore, always consult a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Give your skin all the care and attention it needs, every day!

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/keloid-scars/

https://www.healthline.com/health/keloids

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/keloid

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