Keloid is an elevated scar which grows exuberantly and relentlessly, extending beyond the boundaries of the wound. Not only is it unsightly, it can be itchy and painful – essentially a major nuisance. Keloids are more likely to occur in people with a family history of keloid scarring, and have a tendency to develop over certain sites viz earlobes, chest, shoulders and upper back.
For small and relatively flat keloids, you can purchase silicone scar gels from a pharmacy and apply twice daily. Larger keloids will benefit from regular steroid injections by a dermatologist. Even bulkier keloids can be removed by laser surgery, but regular steroid injections thereafter are still required to prevent recurrence. Sometimes, the surgery may have to be repeated if the keloid regrows rapidly.
The surgery is usually performed under local anaesthesia. Patients will still require regular steroid injections thereafter.
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