Keloid scar is a benign scar composed of dense fibrous tissue formed as a result of an abnormal healing process in response to skin injury, extending beyond the original borders of the wound or inflammatory response. There is little to be done to prevent them and even with its removal there is a possibility of keloid recurrence. Keloid scar may affect the patient both physically and emotionally as it may become a cosmetic problem depending on its location on the body.
Keloid scar can happen in any age and can affect both sexes. The incidance of keloid scar varies among different races, it’s more common among blacks, hispanics and Asians and less common in Caucasians for unknown reasons. Both genetic and enviromental factors play a role in the formation of keloid scar. Keloid scar may form following skin inflamation such as acne vulgaris or skin injury such as second and third degree burns. Keloid may happen may appear months after skin inflammation or trauma but may take up to a year to develop.
Keloid scar can present as a firm nodule which can be skin coloured, hypopigmented (lighter in colour) or erythematous (red in colour) and is often located at the site of the injury (such as burn), wound which could be surgical or non-surgical or other lesion. Most common locations of keloid scar include the shoulders, , chest, sternal area, earlobes and back of the neck. Symptoms of keloid scar may include pain, itching and mobility limitalion if it is located over a joint area.
See also: Hypertrophic scars, Contractures, Burns and itching, Occupational therapy and third degree burns, Prevention and dealing with scars, Physical therapy and third degree burns, Scar massage, Psychological consequences of burns, Compression garments.
This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice; it should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.