Keloid - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Keloid is a form of abnormal scarring that occurs in susceptible individuals.
More common in darker skin types.
Diagnosis is clinical.
Treatment options include injectable preparations, cryotherapy, as well as surgery and radiation therapy.

Stable keloid due to ear piercing

From the collection of Professor Andrew Burd, used with permission

Quick Reference

History & Exam
- Key Factors
- Other Factors
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Diagnostics Tests
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Treatment Options
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Images

Elevated, red, smooth, nodule of scar tissue; arose in the site of an acne lesion that had been squeezed
Red, elevated keloid; edges blend into the surrounding skin; arose in a vaccination site in the left upper arm
An extensive keloid has been previously excised and the defect skin grafted; keloid scarring has subsequently developed at the peripheries
The timelines for normal, hypertrophic, and keloid scar formation. Keloid scarring is different in that it does not mature (involute); expansion may occur but, in contrast to hypertrophic scarring, contraction does not occur either in the scar or in the surrounding tissue
Stable keloid due to ear piercing
A typical presternal keloid; presence of central bridging, an elevated rolled edge and flattened peripheral extensions
Keloid reaction following a vaccination in the deltoid region; following surgical excision the entire length of the scar developed a keloid-like appearance
A hypertrophic scar before excision to correct contraction deformity following a burn
Contraction deformity of little finger corrected by excision

Citations

Key Articles

Ogawa R. The most current algorithms for the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids: a 2020 update of the algorithms published 10 years ago. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 Jan 1;149(1):79e-94e.[Abstract][Full Text]
Ogawa R, Akita S, Akaishi S, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars - Japan Scar Workshop consensus document 2018. Burns Trauma. 2019;7:39.[Abstract]
Gold MH, Berman B, Clementoni MT, et al. Updated international clinical recommendations on scar management: part 1 - evaluating the evidence. Dermatol Surg. 2014 Aug;40(8):817-24.[Abstract]
Royal College of Radiologists. Recommendations for using radiotherapy for benign disease in the UK. 2023 [internet publication].[Full Text]

Referenced Articles

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