A keloid is a type of scar tissue that forms when the body attempts to repair itself from an injury, such as a cut, burn, or pimple. Inside a keloid, fibrous tissue accumulates and ultimately forms a raised, lumpy scar.
This type of scar does not go away without scar treatment, unlike traditional scars. The interior of a keloid is essentially a firm, raised mass of scar tissue. It may feel lumpy, and the center of the scar is often darker than the skin surrounding it.
The scar can also become inflamed, itchy, and painful over time.
What are keloid scars filled with?
Keloid scars are comprised of a collection of overgrown, fibrous collagen. They are not filled with a specific material, rather the collagen is the material that creates the raised appearance of the scar.
Keloid scars typically occur as a result of a wound – whether it is from an acne blemish or from a cut or burn – and can take the form of an exaggeration of the original wound. The body produces excess collagen to heal the wound, and as a result, a keloid is formed.
Keloids occur more frequently in people with darker skin tones, although anyone can be susceptible to developing keloid scars. Treatments such as silicone gels, injections with corticosteroids, laser therapy, and surgery are available to attempt to reduce the appearance of keloid scars.
What is a keloid scar made of?
A keloid scar is made of excess collagen production in response to an injury such as a burn, surgery, acne, or body piercing. Collagen is a protein that is produced by our bodies as a type of connective tissue that helps to support and protect our organs, provide structure and give skin its shape and strength.
In response to injury, excess collagen is made in order to repair the area and form a keloid scar. Keloid scars appear as a raised, thickened and pink or flesh-colored area of skin. Depending on the size, they can take months or even years to form completely.
As they grow, they can become itchy, painful, or tender and can feel rubbery to the touch. They may also cause discoloration of the skin and can sometimes be quite large.
Do keloids bleed or pus?
Keloids are raised, thickened scars that are formed when the body overproduces collagen, and they can range in color from pink to purple to even dark brown. While they are not typically associated with bleeding or pus, they can still become irritated and cause some drainage.
In most cases, the drainage will be clear or yellowish and may be accompanied by mild pain and a slight burning sensation. If the drainage is bloody or accompanied by a foul smell, then it could be cause for concern and should be checked by a doctor.
It is also possible for the tissue in the keloid to become infected, resulting in increased drainage that is more likely to be accompanied by pain, redness and swelling. If you experience any of these symptoms in your keloid, it is best to get it checked out.
How do you break up keloid scar tissue?
Keloid scar tissue can be difficult to break up, but there are multiple options available depending on the severity of the keloid. The most common treatments for keloid scar tissue include steroid injections, cryotherapy, laser therapy, radiotherapy and silicone gel sheets.
Steroid injections involve injecting a corticosteroid directly into the scar to reduce inflammation and shrink the keloid. Cryotherapy, also known as cold therapy, is a procedure that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the affected area and cause the keloid to shrink.
Laser therapy, such as Pulsed dye laser therapy, uses short bursts of light energy to break down the keloid. Radiotherapy is another option for treating keloid scar tissue and involves using radiation to shrink the keloid.
Finally, silicone gel sheets could be used to reduce the appearance of the keloid by providing a protective coating.
It is important to speak with a dermatologist or doctor to determine which treatment is best suited to your keloid scar tissue.
Do keloids keep growing?
Keloids are benign growths that cannot turn into cancer. They are formed from an overgrowth of the skin’s collagen in the area of a wound or other skin injury. As a result, keloids tend to grow larger with time and appear raised and bumpy.
However, this does not necessarily mean that keloids are always growing. Studies have found that keloids may stop growing in some cases, or even shrink over time. In addition, it can be difficult to predict if or when a keloid will stop growing.
Treatments such as corticosteroid injections and cryotherapy are available to reduce the size of the keloid and help to slow or stop its growth.
Why do keloids come out?
Keloids are raised, thickened scars that form as a result of an overly aggressive healing process. When skin is injured or cut, the body produces extra collagen, which is the main protein in skin tissue, to repair the wound.
In some cases, the body produces an excess amount of collagen, leading to a buildup of scar tissue. This causes the skin to form an elevated, rough texture, creating a keloid. This can occur as a result of something as simple as a pimple or bug bite.
It can also occur after surgery, burns, ear piercings, tattoos, or other injuries to the skin. The exact cause of keloids is still not known, however research has found that genetics may be a factor in one’s likelihood of developing keloids.
Disease, certain hormones, and certain skin conditions, such as acne, can also contribute to their development.
Can you cut out a keloid scar?
No, unfortunately, keloid scars cannot be cut out because the scar is comprised of excess scar tissues that has formed on the surface of the skin due to improper healing of a wound. Surgery can be attempted, but often keloid scars are resistant to surgical removal because the excess scar tissue can easily reform.
Instead, other treatments, such as laser treatment and steroid injections, may be used, as well as Retin A or silicone-based products to reduce the size of the scar. Unfortunately, there is no sure-fire way to completely eliminate a keloid scar, and recurrence of the scar is quite common even after treatments.
Will a keloid scar go away?
No, unfortunately keloid scars will not go away on their own and can remain for many years or even a lifetime. Keloid scars are caused by an overexuberance of scar tissue, which is the body’s natural response to trauma to the skin.
Unfortunately, when this response occurs excessively, it can cause thick, rubbery, usually painless and itchy scars. The odd size, shape and texture of these scars can be very noticeable and cosmetically unappealing, but they are generally harmless.
If you are looking to get rid of your keloid scar, there are some treatments that may reduce their appearance or stop them from growing, However, it is important to note that there is no definite cure for keloid scars and some treatments may not be effective for everyone.
The most common treatments for keloid scars are corticosteroid injections, Cryotherapy, Laser therapy, Topical medications, Silicone sheeting, and Surgery. Depending on which treatment you prefer, it may take several weeks or months to see any results.
In summary, keloid scars are permanent and will not go away on their own, but there are treatments available to reduce their appearance. It is important to consult with a dermatologist to choose the most suitable treatment depending on the size, shape and location of the keloid scar.
Can I remove a keloid myself?
No, you should not remove a keloid yourself. Keloids are a type of scarring that occurs when skin cells grow abnormally, and removing them without medical advice and supervision can cause significant damage to the skin and surrounding area, as well as potential scarring worse than the keloid itself.
If you think you have a keloid, you should speak to your doctor and discuss in detail the best treatment options available to you. Your doctor can provide options such as corticosteroid injections which can help shrink the keloid, or you can opt for surgery to have it removed.
Your doctor may also recommend radiation therapy or laser treatment. It is important to consider your doctor’s advice and recommended treatments in order to gain the best results.
How do you flatten a keloid naturally?
Flattening a keloid naturally is a process that requires patience, dedication, and perseverance. In the initial stages, it is important to keep the area clean and avoid any irritation which can worsen the keloid.
This can involve avoiding friction and protecting the area during activities. For example, when showering or swimming, cover the keloid with a waterproof dressing or plastic wrap.
One natural approach to flatten a keloid is to use a mixture of pressure and heat. Use a soft pad, such as a thin cotton cloth, and press it gently against the keloid. Apply warmth to the area with a hot compress to promote blood circulation.
Do this 3-4x per day for a minimum of 30 minutes each session.
You can also supplement this approach with the application of topical Vitamin E oil or jojoba oil. These oils may help to reduce inflammation and promote natural healing. Applying a gel containing silicone or vitamin E can also reduce scarring and help flatten the keloid.
In addition to these natural methods, it is also important to take preventative measures to avoid further irritation of the keloid. This includes avoiding direct sunlight, staying away from harsh soaps, and wearing sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
Additionally, practices like yoga and meditation can help reduce stress which can worsen the keloid.
Overall, it is important to remain patient and consistent with these treatments as it can take months for a keloid to begin to flatten through natural methods. Your doctor can help determine the best approach to take for your particular keloid.
What happens if you cut off a keloid at home?
If you attempt to cut off a keloid at home, it is likely to be dangerous and ineffective. In some cases, the keloid may re-grow in the same place and may even become larger. Furthermore, cutting off a keloid can be extremely painful and can cause infection or lead to permanent scarring.
A keloid should only be medically removed by a dermatologist or a professional so they can ensure that it is done in a safe manner. They may also be able to provide other treatment or advice on how to manage the keloid in order to make it less noticeable.
Will a keloid grow back if you cut it off?
The short answer is no, a keloid will not grow back if it is cut off. This is because a keloid is an excessive buildup of collagen, which is a type of protein. When it is cut off the collagen is removed, which prevents it from forming again.
That being said, there is always a risk of the keloid reoccurring if the cut is done improperly or if the underlying cause of the keloid is not addressed. In other words, simply cutting off the keloid may not be enough to prevent it from returning, so it is important to talk to a doctor before taking any action.
In some cases, steroids or other medications may be necessary to keep the keloid from returning. Additionally, laser therapy may be used to reduce the size of the keloid and reduce the chance of it returning.
Do keloids go away naturally?
No, keloids do not go away naturally and are considered permanent unless treated. Keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue that form beyond a wound or incision. There are various treatments available for keloids, including steroid injections, laser treatment, and surgery, however the keloid may always return if not treated properly.
Additionally, establishing a preventive plan, such as avoiding any sort of trauma to the area and keeping the skin moisturized, is important in reducing the risk of keloids. It is important to consult a doctor before taking any action as different treatments may be more beneficial for different types of keloids.
Are keloids permanent?
No, keloids are not permanent and can be treated. Keloids are overgrowths of scar tissue that can form after surgery, injury, acne, body piercing, or tattooing. Although not dangerous in terms of health, keloids may cause a person physical and emotional distress.
Once developed, keloids may remain for the person’s lifetime without treatment.
Keloid treatment options include corticosteroid injections or surgery to excise or shave down the raised scar. Other modalities such as laser therapy, radiotherapy, and silicone gel sheeting may provide additional benefit.
However, the best treatment results are seen with a combination of modalities. Prognosis varies depending on the individual, and interventions may have short-term to long-term effect on reducing the size of the keloid and preventing further growth.
Following treatment, some people may experience recurrence, while others may experience complete resolution. Additionally, lifestyle and environmental factors, such as sun exposure, humidity, and diet, may also have an effect on the scar, and thus it is important to follow post-treatment instructions and proactively manage the area.
