When it comes to scarring, keloid scars reign supreme. Even the most diligent skin care methods are no match. If you're unaware of this particular condition or want to know if you are susceptible, read on.
While any kind of scarring on your skin can ruin your day, keloid scars are the ones to be most wary of. Skin care experts list keloids as the most difficult skin problem to treat thus far. This type of scar comes with its own territory: it has very unique characteristics, as well as a mysterious background - to this day there is only speculation as to what causes these unattractive scars. Even treating keloids is no cakewalk. But perhaps clarifying what keloid scars are and listing the procedures currently in use will help shed some light on this condition.
Keloids are defined as abnormal scars that are raised and have an ill-defined growth on the skin, according to Menshealth.com. The location of the scars as well as the genetic background of an individual helps to determine if a person is susceptible to keloids. Areas such as the earlobes, along the jaw line, shoulder and the skin covering the breastbone are the most common places for keloid scars to develop, according to Phudson.com.
While the exact cause or pattern for keloid scars is unknown, case studies show that this condition is fairly common in darker skinned individuals. Women are more likely to develop heavy keloid scars, and young people under age thirty are susceptible as well. According to Menshealth.com, being African-American or Hispanic increases susceptibility by 16% over Caucasians.
Although there is no agreed upon cause of keloids, there are many factors and theories as to what conditions can result in these scars:
Infection at a wound site or repeated trauma to the same area.
Skin tension or a foreign body in a wound.
Deficiency or an excess in melanocyte hormone (MSH).
Decreased percentages of mature collagen and increased soluble collagen.
Very small blood vessels becoming blocked, resulting in lack of oxygen.
There isn't much good news for those who suffer from keloid scars, as the scarring is permanent, but there are methods currently in place to treat keloids. Surgical procedures are the most effective methods so far but doctors themselves won't hesitate to inform keloid patients that the recurrence rate is as high as 50%. For a while, laser surgery hoped to be promising, but so far those outcomes haven't been any better. Non-surgical options, such as using medication for the immune system, has proved to reduce the scars, but with significant side effects, including toxicity, flu like symptoms, depression, nausea and vomiting. Combination treatments involve surgically removing the scars and using steroid injections. Unfortunately, this process has a reported recurrence rate of 50-75%. Radiotherapy, which uses radiation to interfere with the skin growths and collagen production also involve such risks with side effects. All of these options should be weighed carefully and second opinions should be sought, according to Menshealth.com.
If you suffer from keloids or believe you could be susceptible to them, there are a few steps you can take prevent or treat keloid scars:
Keep your wounds clean as possible to assist with the healing process.
If you believe you are susceptible or have a family history, do not take any risks that would involve causing injury to your skin.
Avoid getting any piercings, especially your ears.
Avoid getting tattoos.