A keloid is a large, raised scar, can be found in pink and purple skin color or darker than the surrounding skin. Most of the keloids are not harmful and do not need any treatment. But if you want to remove them by your own choice then make sure to go for a professional keloid treatment in Uk.
The skin injury site is where keloids occur. These keloids are caused by skin injuries such as trauma, surgery, blisters, or vaccinations. Keloids can also form in areas that have not suffered visible injuries. Keloids are different from mature scars because of their size and composition. Keloid formation can be a problem for some people, and they may appear in multiple places.
Keloids are more prevalent in African-Americans. Commonly keloids appear on the chest, shoulders, and upper back. However, they can also occur anywhere. For example, a skin injury or incision can cause a keloid, and its tissue will continue to grow after the wound closes. As a result, it will become more visible and more prominent until it reaches its final size.
These keloid-related injuries usually occur between 10-30 years old, and both sexes are affected equally. However, they may be more common in young women with pierced ears. In addition, people who have had open-heart surgeries may develop keloids that extend over the breastbone.
Symptoms of Keloids
These are some of the characteristics that can be found in keloids:
Appearance
The first signs of a Keloid can take up to 3 months or even a whole year. After that, it can take weeks or months to start growing. Sometimes they grow slowly for many years.
Color
A keloid is a raised scar that has a flat surface. As time passes, the color will darken. The color becomes darker than the skin of the person, with the border darker than its center.
Feel
Keloids Feel different from the skin around you. Some keloids are soft and chewy. Some keloids feel hard and rubbery.
Pain
A person can feel the itching, pain, tenderness when keloids in your body are growing. However, these symptoms typically stop when the keloid stops growing.
Anywhere on the body, you can form keloids. However, they are most prevalent on the neck, shoulders, and chest. They can be anywhere from less than one inch to twelve inches in size.
Causes of Keloids
Keloid is the result of the skin overreacting to injury. Keloids can form even from minor cuts. Keloids are most commonly caused by:
- The cuts or punctures even you get it while shaving
- Burns
- Incisions made during surgery
- Some Insect also causes keloids if they bite
- Different skin conditions like acne also lead to keloids
- Chickenpox and other diseases can cause scarring to the skin
- Tattoos and ear piercings are also some of the top reasons to get keloids.
Some keloids develop without apparent causes. According to the Journal of Medical Investigations and Practice, some keloids can form without any skin injuries. They can also appear years after an injury.
The skin sends collagen-making cells when it is infected to heal the wound. The cells should do their job and close any wounds, leaving only a tiny scar. However, keloids allow the skin’s cells to continue to grow even after the wound heals. As a result, scar tissue continues to grow and forms a large, raised scar.
Although keloids can be found on any skin type, it is more common to develop in:
- People with a family history of keloids
- Anyone under the age of 30, especially teenagers going through puberty
- Sometimes pregnant women have been witnessed to get keloids.
- People with darker skin tones (e.g., Asian, Hispanic, or African-American heritage) are more likely to get keloids than others.
Keloids are a type of benign cancer. Though they can be bothersome, they do not turn into cancer and pose serious health risks.
Keloids Preventions
There may not be much you can do if your skin reacts to keloid scarring. However, keep any open wounds clean to aid the healing process.
If you have had previous exposure or family connections, you can avoid any further risks.
According to some healthcare professionals, tattoos and piercings should be avoided by all people with high pigmentation.
Conclusion
Most keloids don’t need treatment. However, if they do, speak up. Then, your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the best way to minimize or get rid of your keloid.