Scar formation is an integral part of skin recovery after a specific injury. However, a keloid differs in appearance and structure from a scar that forms during the wound healing process.
A keloid is a type of scar that arises from excessive collagen production during the wound healing process.
They are often firm, elevated above the skin's surface, and can be red or darker in color than the surrounding skin.
This type of scar is very noticeable and can pose a significant aesthetic problem for individuals who have them.
In addition to aesthetic concerns, keloids can cause discomfort, itching, and pain.
Individuals wishing to get rid of keloids should initiate the treatment process because this type of scar tissue never recedes spontaneously.
Formation Process of Keloids
When tissue damaged by an injury begins to heal, the body produces collagen to fill the damaged area of the skin.
Due to excessive collagen secretion, the wound healing process leads to the formation of keloids, also known as hypertrophic scars.
There are various causes for the formation of keloids, but the main cause is always a certain trauma to the skin region. Keloids most commonly result from the following injuries:
- Burns
- Deep cuts
- After surgical interventions
- As a result of acne
- After tattooing or piercing
Common scars that form after an injury and keloids are two different types of scars.
Most people expect scar formation to be inevitable after the healing of deeper wounds, but in certain cases, keloids can develop.
So, what is the main difference between scars and keloids? Scars form at the site of the injury and can be flat or slightly lighter than the surrounding skin.
They may differ in texture from the surrounding tissue, but for most people, they do not pose a significant aesthetic problem, especially if they are of smaller dimensions.
Scars are flat or slightly elevated compared to the surrounding skin. The color of the scar varies from a shade lighter to a shade darker than the surrounding skin.
They are proportional to the size of the wound and do not extend significantly beyond the injury area.
However, a keloid scar is more pronounced and conspicuous, often with protrusions that exceed the original boundaries of the injury.
In addition, keloids can cause discomfort, itching, and pain. For this reason, most people opt for the removal of these growths.
Unlike scars, keloids are raised and often have irregular boundaries. The color of keloids is usually striking, red, or burgundy. Keloid scars tend to be larger than the site of the original injury and often occupy a larger surface area of the skin.
Some people are genetically predisposed to the formation of keloids (hypertrophic scars), while scars do not have an inherited component and will occur in everyone as a result of tissue injury.
Certain factors can contribute to the formation of keloids, and one of the main factors is genetics, leading to a predisposition for keloid scar formation.
Individuals of African, Asian, and Latin American descent are more predisposed to the formation of keloid scars.
However, keloids can also occur in individuals with lighter skin, regardless of skin color. Therefore, the main factors contributing to the formation of keloids are:
- Geneticsindicating a predisposition for keloid healing and scar formation that can be inherited. If family members are prone to keloids, their descendants will have a greater tendency to develop keloids.
- Skin type, individuals with darker skin often have a greater tendency to develop keloids compared to those with lighter skin tones.
- Type of wound or injury, keloids often occur after deep wounds, burns, or surgery. Age, keloids most commonly occur between the twenties and thirties.
- Hormonal changes, such as those during pregnancy, can also affect keloid formation.
Is Keloid Common After Tattooing and Piercing?
Tattooing and piercing are not the primary causes of keloid formation. However, in rare cases, tattooing or piercing the ear cartilage may lead to excessive collagen production during the wound healing process, thereby initiating keloid formation.
Additionally, improper care of the tattoo or wound after piercing can cause keloids to develop on the piercing or tattoo site. Keloid scars, in certain cases, can significantly cover a tattoo and completely disrupt its aesthetics.
When it comes to piercing, keloids are more likely to occur after piercing the ear cartilage or its tragus.
If you are prone to keloids or have had keloid scars before, it is recommended to consult with a dermatologist before tattooing or piercing, who will assess the risk and provide advice.
The treatment and removal of keloid scars can be applied in various ways, including surgical removal, radiation therapy, or laser removal (laser treatments), and the application of corticosteroids or other local medications.
However, keloids can reappear even after treatment, especially if the treatment is carried out independently or by an unqualified individual.
Even after surgical removal, there is a risk of keloid recurrence in the same place or nearby. The recurrence of keloids after removal most often depends on the type of injury or treatment method.
For this reason, treatment in a healthcare facility specialized in keloid treatment is advised. Additionally, combining different therapeutic methods can reduce the risk of keloid recurrence.
Natural Treatment for Keloids - Is it Sufficiently Effective?
Treating keloids with herbal preparations can help alleviate symptoms but does not guarantee complete removal of keloids.
Some essential oils, such as tea tree or lavender, are considered beneficial for hydrating the skin and reducing irritations caused by keloids.
Moreover, they have known anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Aloe vera gel can also help soothe the skin and reduce irritation.
Intake of vitamin E and the use of topical products containing vitamin E can help hydrate the skin and minimize the noticeable appearance of keloids.
However, natural remedies for keloids will not enable the complete disappearance of keloids; specific therapeutic procedures are required.
Treatment of Keloids at Fizionova Center
Surgical intervention is not the only way to eliminate keloids because Fizionova Center offers non-invasive therapeutic methods for keloid treatment.
We employ the treatment of keloids with the therapeutic protocol 621, which is painless, without surgical interventions or injections, and leads to the restoration of blood vessels through innovative technology.
During a specialized examination at Fizionova Center, the suitable therapeutic method for addressing your issue will be determined.
Schedule an appointment and see for yourself that keloids can disappear in a completely painless and safe manner, without surgery and injections.
SCHEDULE A PHYSIATRIST'S EXAMINATION
Dr Jelena Kluz-Đurđević, a specialist in physical medicine
After a conversation with the patient, Dr. Jelena will conduct an examination to obtain a more comprehensive view of your health status, helping to determine whether it's an injury or a diagnosis.
The examination lasts for 30 minutes and includes:
Schedule a specialist examination by calling 011 2100 588 for the cost of 4,000 RSD.