What Are Keloids?

If you have a thickened scar, it’s known as a keloid. Keloids are common on the shoulders, cheeks, and chest, but they can occur anywhere on the body where you have had a skin injury. Your dermatologist can help minimize the appearance of keloids. Dr. Uyen Ngoc Mui at Dermatology Associates of Katy, in Katy, TX, provides a wide range of dermatology services, including treating keloids.

What You Need To Know About Keloids 

Keloids may be caused by improper wound healing or the overproduction of collagen. They may form from skin injuries, including acne, body piercings, burns, or insect bites.

You may be at increased risk of keloid formation if you:

• Have dark skin
• Are under 30 years old
• Have a family history of keloids

A keloid scar can appear in several forms. Keloid scars can look like a:

• Thickened, irregular scar
• Shiny area of raised skin
• Soft or rubbery area

Keloids may also appear as reddish, purple, or brown areas and may be painful or itchy.

You should visit a dermatologist as soon as you can after noticing a keloid because early treatment can help stop the growth of a keloid. To treat keloids, your dermatologist may recommend:

• Compression dressings to put pressure on the wound so a keloid doesn’t grow
• Corticosteroid cream to limit itching
• Cortisone injections to limit the growth of the keloid
• Freezing with liquid nitrogen to remove the keloid
• Laser treatment to flatten and fade the keloid

Your dermatologist may also recommend surgical keloid excision combined with targeted radiation therapy. These methods may be recommended if other methods haven’t been effective.

Want To Know More About Keloids?

Call Dr. Uyen Ngoc Mui at Dermatology Associates of Katy in Katy, TX to learn more about keloids and how your dermatologist can minimize their appearance. You can reach her in the office by calling (281) 400-1224, so call today.