Dealing with Keloids

Dr. Parvin Shafa | February 13, 2025

What are Keloids?

Keloids are scars that develop due to trauma from cuts, burns, surgeries, and ear piercings. Although these scars are found in all ethnic groups, those that are most commonly affected are individuals of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent. Furthermore, genetics also play a role in the development of keloids.

Why do keloids form?

The scar type known as keloids, occurs when the skin experiences over collagen production during an injury or inflammation for an extended period, resulting in hard patches of raised skin.

How do I know if I have a Keloid?

It is advisable that you make an appointment with us at OC MedDerm (949-551-1113), so that a detailed history about the lesion can be taken and an actual examination of the skin can be done. In most cases, keloids do occur with an antecedent injury or trauma and once that site gets healed it leaves a scar. When keloids are just formed, they appear firmer, and smoother than the surrounding skin. Pain, tenderness, and itching are common feelings and sensations associated with keloids. The size of keloids differs from less than 1 centimeter to greater than 12 inches. People may tend to find it unsightly. Sizeable keloids do tend to be sore since the keloid scar red tissue no longer holds a good fit against the skin. It can also be uncomfortable if it is very large and can pull at the skin depending on where it is located.

What are the treatment options for Keloids?

Luckily, though it can be a distressing scar to have, a variety of treatments are available at OC MedDerm. Depending on location and treatments already tried, we may offer the following treatment options:

1. Kenalog (triamcinolone) steroid injection : Kenalog is a steroid and steroids have anti inflammatory properties. This helps reduce the inflammation and the production of collagen which leads to possibly resolving and shrinking the appearance of the keloid. It may also provide relief with itching and pain.
2. Surgery : At OC MedDerm, Dr. Shafa has mastered surgeries of keloids anywhere on the body, but especially the ear lobe. Surgical treatment of keloids takes many years of experience and training as it may come back, but we follow the healing process with time and may recommend steroid injections or pressure garments to prevent keloid formation.
3. Cryotherapy : Cryotherapy is the spraying of liquid nitrogen on the keloid to destroy cells that feed abnormal collagen growth. The end result is the shrinking of keloids, even possibly disappearing after numerous sessions of cryotherapy treatment.
  
  
4. Corticosteroid Tapes and Plasters : Corticosteroid tapes can be used as a conservative treatment in those who do not want an injection; for example, pediatric patients. This is a medicated tape that has the steroid applied directly right onto the scar, and it has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent collagen production and further keloid growth.
5. Compression therapy : The compression of keloid reduces the production of collagen which limits the growth of scar. If there is no room to grow for scar due to pressure, then it also limits blood circulation, hence giving less prominent keloid appearance.

Here at OC MedDerm, we see and treat keloids on a day-to-day basis. We have successfully treated many keloids in any part of the body and look forward to seeing you at our office to be a part of your scar recovery and healing.

113 Waterworks Way #100, Irvine, CA 92618, United States

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Feel free to ask a question or call us (949) 551-1113 to make an appointment for a medical visit.