Keloids
By: V. Castillo, M.D., D.P.D.S.

It is that mass of flesh that eventually becomes a constant pain in one's cosmetic appearance and one's psyche that prompts one to cover up the area involved and troop to a doctor. Quite often, some self-prescribed magic miracle cream was used but to no avail.

What is a “keloid?”

A keloid is a result of an abnormal healing process in certain predisposed individuals . The skin closes after wounding but instead of a confined scar, the resulting scar goes way beyond the original wound borders and persists for a long period of time e.g. a year and beyond. Sometimes the keloid develops after a delay of many months from the time of wounding.

What triggers the keloid formation?

Obviously, skin disruption such as body piercing, surgery, burns, or any form of wounding. There are however some reports of no recorded previous injury. Somehow the cells involved in the wound healing process behave differently and produce more or less amounts of certain substances. The substances produced act on the involved cells and result in growth induction hence, the overgrowth that you see.

How is it treated?

Thoughtful consideration and individualized therapy is key. There are no short cuts and fixed assurances cannot be made. Numerous modalities such as controlled periodic injections of steroids or other drugs can be done. Sometimes if it is amenable, only after careful evaluation, surgical revision or a procedure wherein the keloid is frozen at designated intervals and allowed to heal before subsequent freezing with liquid nitrogen sprays can be done. Most of the time combination therapy is employed. Other modalities include powerful drugs, lasers, and certain dressings.

It is important for one to be seen by a legitimate dermatologist so that the proper advice and care may be given. Keloids are special cases which require a lot of patience and understanding for patients which is why expert care is very important.