Keloids

Alternative names:

cheloid scar; hypertrophic scar; scar - hypertrophic

Treatment:

Keloids often require no treatment. Keloids may be reduced in size by freezing (cryotherapy), external pressure, corticosteroid injections, radiation, or surgical removal.

Discoloration from sun exposure can be prevented by covering the forming keloid with a patch or bandaid, or using sunblockers when spending time in the sun (for at least 6 months after injury or surgery for an adult; up to 18 months for a child).

Expectations (prognosis):

Keloids usually are not medically dangerous but may affect the cosmetic appearance. In some cases, they may spontaneously reduce in size over time. Treatment for removal or reduction may not be permanent, and surgical removal may result in a larger keloid scar.

Complications:

• psychological distress if large or disfiguring
• recurrence of keloid
• discomfort, tenderness, irritation of the keloid

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if keloids develop and removal/reduction is desired, or new symptoms develop.