Do you have an annoying scar that instead of improving, keeps getting worse? You likely have a keloid scar. Today, I will share with you important details about keloids — raised and sometimes itchy scars. If you’ve found your way to this article, I’m happy to tell you that you’re already halfway to the right treatment for this skin issue.
What Are Keloids?
Keloids are a type of scar that grows beyond the original site of skin damage. Unlike regular scars, which are usually flat and fade over time, keloids can be thick, raised, and continue to grow. They form due to an overly active healing process, where the body produces too much collagen in response to skin injury. This can happen after surgeries, cuts, piercings, or even acne.
In my dermatology practice, I’ve seen keloids develop from minor skin injuries, like a small cut or even a bug bite. For example, one of my patients developed a keloid on his chest after a simple pimple turned into a significant problem. Despite trying over-the-counter creams, the keloid kept growing and eventually reached the size of a small coin. This case highlights how unpredictable and persistent keloids can be without early and proper treatment.
Common Symptoms and Appearance
Keloids can appear on any part of the body, but they most often appear on:
- The chest
- Shoulders
- Earlobes
- Cheeks
These growths are typically shiny, and smooth, and can range in color from pink to dark brown, depending on skin tone. Some people may experience itching or even pain in the affected area, which can significantly impact daily life.
You might be surprised by the ways keloids can form. For instance, they can appear on the earlobe after piercing especially if done at home by teenagers experimenting with a needle in front of a mirror. The keloid not only caused the girl significant discomfort but also prevented her from wearing earrings and even sleeping on that side.
She could have come to me earlier, but this is an example of what not to do (P.S. book an appointment with your doctor as soon as you notice strange appearances on your skin) In her case, we had to use a more intensive and lengthy treatment process. After exploring various options, we decided on a combination of cryotherapy and steroid injections.
The Psychological and Physical Impact
Living with keloids can be challenging not just physically but also emotionally. These scars often affect self-esteem and cause discomfort, especially if they are located in visible areas such as the face or ears (especially for girls). Men rarely come in with the desire to improve their skin, but later their spouses bring them, and the situations are, to say the least, not easy. No matter where you are in your skin recovery journey, don’t waste your mental energy worrying about how hard it will be to heal. Just remember that you’re not alone, and there are effective treatments available to help you manage and reduce the appearance of keloids.
In my experience at DappleDoc, an online clinic where I work, most of our patients are teenagers, and I have one case to share as an example. One of my patients developed severe acne during adolescence, leading to multiple keloids on his chest and shoulders. The keloids made him self-conscious, especially in public places like swimming pools. Over time, he became more withdrawn and avoided activities he once enjoyed. After consulting with me, I recommended a course of keloid laser treatment and provided ongoing support throughout his treatment.
Thanks to the power of the internet, he not only saw the first improvements in his skin but also regained his confidence. A comprehensive approach from a dermatologist can sometimes significantly impact both the physical and emotional aspects of a patient’s condition.
Common Keloid Locations
1. Keloid Earlobe
Earlobe keloids usually result from piercings and can be particularly bothersome due to their location. Treatment options range from surgical removal to less invasive methods such as keloid cryotherapy or steroid injections.
2. Keloids on Nose and Inner Nose Keloids
Keloids on the nose, whether on the surface or inside the nostril, present a unique challenge due to the sensitivity of this area. Dermatologists often recommend specialized care, and treatment may include laser therapy or silicone gel sheets to flatten the keloid.
3. Belly Button Keloid
Belly button keloids are typically caused by piercings or surgical interventions. They can be treated with a combination of steroid injections and laser therapy, but it’s essential to ensure that they are not irritated by clothing or jewelry.
4. Eyebrow Keloid and Nipple Keloid
These keloids commonly develop after eyebrow piercings and require careful treatment. Treatment options may include keloid cryotherapy, pressure therapy, or topical applications to minimize the size of the keloid and reduce discomfort.
5. Acne Keloid
Keloids sometimes form after severe acne, particularly on the chest, back, or jawline. Early intervention with treatments such as laser therapy or steroid injections can prevent these scars from forming.
Keloid Removal Options
Finding a local specialist who understands your skin type and keloid history is crucial. From my experience, online consultations can be a great starting point, even though some treatments may require an in-person visit.
Laser Keloid Removal
This is one of the most popular methods to reduce the size of keloids and improve their texture. The laser targets the blood vessels that nourish the keloid, gradually smoothing and minimizing its appearance.
If you have keloids on your shoulders, especially after previous acne outbreaks, laser therapy might be suitable for you. It helps to blend them more naturally with the surrounding skin while providing both cosmetic and functional benefits. Laser therapy sessions offer a promising approach to keloid treatment.
Cryotherapy for Keloids
Cryotherapy involves freezing the keloid tissue, which can help reduce its size. This method is often used in combination with other treatments, such as steroid injections, to improve effectiveness.
Painful keloids on the neck can make it uncomfortable to wear certain clothing. Most people seek help for this problem, and as a first step in the treatment plan, keloid cryotherapy is usually recommended. After several sessions, the keloid significantly shrinks, and the treatment continues with steroid injections to prevent regrowth. The combination of these procedures yields good results, reducing both the size of the keloid and the discomfort.
Keloid Removal Cream
Over-the-counter creams claim to reduce keloids, but results can vary. Prescription creams, especially those containing silicone, are usually more effective and can be used alongside other treatments.
Prescription silicone-based creams over time can smooth and soften keloids. Although the results are not immediate, they do reduce the size and improve the appearance of the keloid. It’s important to have realistic expectations for topical treatments, as they often work best when used as part of a broader treatment plan.
Keloid Earlobe Removal
For earlobe keloids, particularly those formed after piercings, dermatologists recommend a combination of surgical removal followed by steroid injections or cryotherapy to prevent recurrence. Treating keloids caused by piercings requires careful monitoring and early intervention. I usually recommend treatments like silicone sheets and steroid injections, which can significantly help prevent the keloid from growing.
Steroid injections are a common treatment for keloids, but they can have side effects, including skin thinning, color changes, and discomfort at the injection site. Therefore, it’s important to discuss treatment thoroughly with your dermatologist before starting.
Before prescribing treatment, I always make sure to openly discuss the potential risks and benefits of any treatment. After all, every medication has side effects. When it comes to our skin and appearance, it’s challenging to remain calm, especially when the situation is distressing, and I completely understand such clients.
For example, I once had a client who was concerned about the side effects of steroid injections for treating her keloid. She had heard that injections could cause skin thinning and was worried about the appearance of the treated area. I assured her that with careful administration and the correct interval between injections, we could minimize side effects. As a result, she decided to proceed with the treatment. Although she experienced slight discomfort after the injections, the overall results were positive: the keloid became flatter and less noticeable. Always weigh the pros and cons of each treatment option and discuss with your dermatologist what to expect.
By the way, what about choosing the right dermatologist?
Choosing the Right Keloid Specialist
When looking for a keloid specialist, it’s important not only to find someone with the right qualifications — although that’s important too! You need someone with practical experience in treating keloids, especially considering your skin type and the area of concern.
Online consultations can be an excellent first step, especially if you are considering less invasive procedures like silicone gel pads or corticosteroid injections. My extensive experience with online consultations has proven that this helps not only to prescribe the right treatment but also to stay connected with patients even in the most challenging psychological moments when confidence and mental strength are at an all-time low. Online dermatology opens up new opportunities for both doctors and patients to better understand the issues and prescribe solutions.
Especially if you live far out of town or even in another country but know of a good dermatology clinic — there are no borders between you. The best specialists are just a phone call away and always in touch with you. Book an appointment with a dermatologist at DappleDoc online. After the initial consultation, the next steps will be discussed, and they will send you the exact medication or gels with instructions. In just a week, you’ll be more confident in your skincare!
Conclusion
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