Keloid Scar
What is A Keloid Scar?
The physical symptoms of psoriasis are unpredictable and can leave you feeling embarrassed and self-conscious when out in public. The condition can also cause significant pain and frustration during each flare-up. Dr. Jean-Denis Boucher offers several effective psoriasis treatments at the Lone Star State Dermatology Clinic in San Antonio. He is skilled in treating the condition and reducing symptoms to restore your quality of life. Book your appointment online today.While some people may be prone to keloid scars due to genetics, the fact is that anyone can develop a keloid scar if they experience injury or trauma to the skin. A keloid scar may form from a burn, acne or even chickenpox. Sometimes these scars may be uncomfortable or painful, and sometimes they may even itch. Keloids are most commonly found on the ears, neck, shoulder, chest and back.
Keloid scars are completely benign. You may have one and not have any issues with it; however, there are others who feel embarrassed by visible and large keloid scars and may wish to treat the problem (this may be particularly important for someone whose scar is causing pain or tenderness).
There are certain risk factors that can increase your chances for developing keloid scars. Teens and adults under 30 years old are more likely to develop keloids, as well as women who are pregnant and people with darker skin tones. Everything from injection sites and severe acne to piercings and tattoos can lead to keloid scars. If you are prone to keloid scarring, you may want to avoid piercings and tattoos or talk with your dermatologists about ways to prevent a keloid from developing.
When it comes to treating a keloid scar, the goal of our dermatological team is to flatten or reduce the appearance of the keloid. This typically requires more than one treatment session in order to shrink the scar over time. There are a variety of methods used to treat a keloid and the type of treatment may depend on the location, size and severity of the scar. Keloid scar treatment may include,
- Cryotherapy, or freezing the scar (like you would a wart)
- Steroid injections, which help to shrink the scar
- Applying silicone gels over the scar to flatten it over time
- Laser treatment to flatten and fade the scar
- Surgery to remove the keloids