Keloids

What are keloids?

Keloids are raised overgrowths of scar tissue that occur at the site of skin injury. They may occur after trauma, surgery, blisters, vaccinations, acne or body piercings. Keloids can itch and cause sharp, shooting pains when pressed.

How can keloids be treated?

Keloids can be difficult to treat. Keloids are scars and can never change back into normal skin. The goals in treating keloids are to
1) Reduce pain and itch
2) Flatten and lighten the lesion so that it is more like the surrounding skin

The most common types of treatment include
1) Injection of steroid into the keloid
2) Laser therapy
3) Cryotherapy
4) Silicone sheets and gel
5) Surgical excision

Surgical excision may be useful for some patients, such as patients with ear keloids.