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What is a keloid? — A keloid is a growth that happens where the skin has healed from a cut or other injury. It can be painful and itchy, and can look different than a normal scar. A person can have just 1 keloid or many.
Keloids can run in families. If someone in your family gets keloids, you might be more likely to get them.
Keloids can form after any injury or procedure that breaks the skin. This can include:
●Piercing – This can be of the ears or another body part.
●A cut that gets infected or leaves a scar
●Acne, after the pimples heal
●Surgery – A keloid can form in the scar.
What are the symptoms of a keloid? — A keloid can look like a lumpy growth (picture 1 and picture 2). It can:
●Itch
●Hurt when you press on it
●Cause sharp, shooting pain
Keloids are most common on certain body parts. These include:
●Ears
●Neck – One type of keloid happens after a pimple heals on the back of the neck.
●Jaw
●Chest, shoulders, and upper back
Should I see a doctor or nurse? — Yes. If you have a new growth on your skin, see your doctor or nurse.
Keloids are not cancer. But some skin growths are cancer. Ask your doctor or nurse to check.
Is there a test for keloids? — No. There is no test. But your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have a keloid by looking at it and learning about your symptoms.
How are keloids treated? — There are several different treatments for keloids, including:
●An injection (shot) of medicine into the keloid – This can make it flatten out. Doctors can try different medicines to see which one works best.
●Surgery to remove the keloid – After surgery, the doctor usually gives a shot of medicine in the area. This can help keep the keloid from coming back.
●Cryosurgery – In this procedure, the doctor uses a very cold liquid to freeze the keloid.
●Radiation – This uses high doses of X-rays. It is often used after surgery to prevent the keloid from coming back.
●Laser treatment – This uses strong light to destroy keloids.
●A prescription cream onto the area – The doctor might prescribe this to use after surgery.
Keloids can be hard to treat. They often come back after treatment. Giving more than 1 treatment at a time, such as a shot of medicine or radiation after surgery, can work better than just 1 treatment.
Can keloids be prevented? — Yes. You can lower your chances of getting keloids if you:
●Avoid having surgery or procedures that break the skin, if possible. For example, you can:
•Avoid getting your ears or other body parts pierced.
•Avoid having surgery to remove a mole for cosmetic reasons (unless your doctor or nurse says that you need surgery).
●Treat acne or a cut right away.
●Do not shave your neck – This can irritate pimples and make them form keloids after they heal.
If you have a cut or scar, you can:
●Keep the cut or wound moist while it heals – You can put a thin layer of petroleum jelly on it. Cover it with a bandage or gauze. Keep the bandage clean and dry.
●Cover scars when you are in the sun – Do this for 3 months after the scar forms. You can also use sunscreen on the scar.
Patient education: Acne (The Basics)
Patient education: Taking care of cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds (The Basics)
Patient education: Acne (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Sunburn prevention (Beyond the Basics)
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