A keloid is a type of raised scar. It occurs when too much collagen is produced at the site of a healed skin injury. Keloids can form after surgery, burns, piercings, or vaccinations. They are usually firm, rubbery, and slightly pink/ reddish/ black in color. They can be itchy, painful, unsightly, and may limit function. Keloids can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and cheeks.

As mentioned earlier, keloids can form after surgery, burns, piercings, or vaccinations. They are most common in people with darker skin tones. This is because people with darker skin have more melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in their skin. Keloids can also run in families. This suggests that genes may play a role in their development.    There are several treatment options for keloids. These include the following: 

• • Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to treat keloids. They work by reducing inflammation. A doctor will inject a corticosteroid medication into the keloid several times over the course of several weeks. 

• • Pressure dressings: Pressure dressings are often used in combination with corticosteroid injections. They work by applying pressure to the keloid to flatten it out over time. 

• • Surgery: Surgery is sometimes used to remove keloids but is not always effective. This is because keloids often grow back after they are removed surgically. If surgery is performed to remove a keloid, it is often combined with corticosteroid injections or pressure dressings to reduce the risk of recurrence. 

• Laser therapy: Laser therapy uses focused beams of light to destroy scar tissue without damaging the surrounding skin. It is often used in combination with other treatments such as corticosteroid injections or pressure dressings. 

  If you have a keloid, there are several treatment options available to you that can help reduce its size and improve its appearance. Be sure to talk to your doctor about all of your options so that you can make an informed decision about which treatment plan is right for you!