Keloids

A keloid scar tends to be firmer, larger, and more elevated than other scars. If you have a keloid that’s uncomfortable, itchy, or displeasing to the eye, the team of dermatologists can provide personalized treatment to shrink it at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, Maryland. Call Shady Grove Dermatology or book a keloid treatment consultation online today.

What do keloids look like?

Keloids are a type of scar that almost looks more like a boil or growth. They’re typically solid and spread beyond the margin of the initial wound. In rare cases, they appear without an initial underlying injury. 

Keloids tend to be:

• Shiny 
• Raised
• Red, brown, or purple
• Firm or rubbery

As unsightly as a keloid may be, it’s never contagious. It may cause some discomfort or itching, and it can cause cosmetic disfigurement that outlasts the scar itself. 

How do keloids form?

Keloids most likely form when the collagen your skin uses to rebuild itself after an injury overgrows. Experts don’t fully understand how keloids form yet, including why some wounds cause this excessive collagen production while others heal more smoothly. 

A keloid can develop after almost any type of trauma to the skin, including insect bites, body piercings, injections, or burns. 

Am I at risk of developing keloids?

Several risk factors can indicate your likelihood of developing a keloid scar. Some people never get keloid scars, while others get them relatively frequently. 

Known risk factors for keloids include:

• Being under the age of 30
• Being pregnant
• Having a medium-to-dark complexion
• Having family members who get keloids
• Sustaining injuries in specific areas, like your earlobes or shoulders
• Practicing inadequate wound care

If you get a keloid, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve treated your skin poorly. However, if you’re prone to getting keloids, your dermatologist at Shady Grove Dermatology can teach you prevention strategies like wound dressing and piercing aftercare. 

How can I get rid of my keloids?

Shady Grove Dermatology treats keloids to shrink them and alleviate symptoms like itching or discomfort. Depending on the keloid’s size and location, your dermatologist might recommend:

• Pressure dressings
• Silicone gel sheets
• Corticosteroid injections
• Cryotherapy (freezing)
• Radiation
• Surgical excision

In some cases, a combination of therapies is the most effective way to eliminate a keloid scar. Home care may also help, with common recommendations including daily sun protection and protecting the area from additional aggravation and injuries. 

To explore treatments for your keloid scars, call Shady Grove Dermatology or book an appointment online today.