These are prominent, irregular scar tissues which are formed after a person suffers from a small cut or scratch in the skin. Generally a bump appears at the site of the injury. The bumps get large and over a period of time full blown keloids develop. At times keloids develops spontaneously without any sign of injury on the skin. It has been found out that keloids affects ten percent of the people. Although most of the people do not develop keloids but other may develop it due to minor injuries or pimples or insect bites. People with dark skin are more prone to form keloids. Men and women are equally prone to keloids. It generally occurs on the arms, chest and upper back.

Cause

The reason for occurrence of keloids is genetic and it cannot be prevented from occurring until and unless gene therapy is developed.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Keloids include skin lesions which are flesh colored, pink or red. These lesions are located over the site of injury or wound or other lesions. The lesions may be nodular or ridged. They may itch during their formation and growth. The diagnosis is conducted on the basis of the appearance of the skin or scar.

Treatment

Keloid normally does not require any treatments but if one wants to get rid of keloid one can undertake the following options.

Surgery

Great care is required during and after the surgery but if they appear after the surgery then they are larger as compared to the original.   The chance of occurrence of keloids is 45% after surgery but normally it does not occur if it is combined with other treatments. Surgery might be followed by intralesional injections of a corticosteroid.

Radiation therapy

Electron beam radiation is used at levels where it does not penetrate the body deeply enough to affect internal organs.

Steroid injections

It is the best treatment as scars begin to thicken. A series of injections with corticosteroid or triamcinolone acetonide can reduce keloid size and irritation. The treatment area becomes extremely painful as the anesthetic wears off.

Compression

Compression bandages can be applied to the affected site over a period of time and it can range from six to twelve months. This is the best treatment which has been recommended for preventing new scars.

Cryosurgery

It is a treatment which is recommended for keloids which are small in size and occur on lightly pigmented skin. This treatment is used in combination with monthly cortisone injections.