What Are Keloid Scars?

Understanding Keloid Scars

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Keloid scars are a type of exuberant cutaneous scar that result from the abnormal growth of fibrous tissue following an injury. They are characterized by the excessive proliferation of fibroblasts and an imbalance between the production and degradation of collagen, leading to its buildup in the dermis2 3. Unlike hypertrophic scars, keloids extend beyond the original wound boundaries and do not regress over time, often causing significant physical, psychological, and cosmetic issues8.

Causes and Risk Factors

Keloid formation is a result of overgrowth of dermal collagen following trauma to the skin. This condition is more prevalent in genetically susceptible individuals, indicating a potential hereditary component6 8. Factors such as skin tension, wound infection, and certain skin types can increase the likelihood of keloid development4.

Treatment Options

There is no universally accepted “gold standard” treatment for keloid scars, and recurrence is common after surgical procedures3. Various treatment modalities have been explored:

• Intralesional Injections: Triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) is commonly used, but about 50% of keloids are resistant to steroid treatment. Intralesional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been compared with TAC, showing similar efficacy but with fewer adverse effects1 9.
• Surgical Excision and Radiotherapy: Surgical removal followed by radiotherapy can be effective, especially when combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to reduce recurrence rates by improving tissue oxygenation and reducing inflammation2.
• Photobiomodulation Therapy: This involves using blue light to reduce fibroblast proliferation and collagen production, although standardized protocols are still under investigation3.
• Cryotherapy and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): These methods, often combined with corticosteroid injections, have shown success in treating keloids, with cryotherapy having a slightly higher recovery rate7.
• Topical Treatments: Novel treatments like kynurenine show promise, with significant improvements in scar appearance and patient satisfaction6.

Challenges and Considerations

Keloid scars are notoriously difficult to treat due to their high recurrence rates and the variability in individual responses to treatment. The choice of treatment often depends on the scar’s characteristics, patient preferences, and the potential for adverse effects4 10. Adjuvant therapies, such as Strontium-90 brachytherapy, have been shown to reduce recurrence when used alongside intralesional injections9.

Conclusion

Keloid scars present a significant challenge in dermatology due to their complex pathophysiology and high recurrence rates. While various treatments exist, including intralesional injections, surgical excision, and novel therapies, the choice of treatment must be tailored to the individual patient, considering both efficacy and potential side effects. Ongoing research is crucial to developing more effective and less invasive treatment options.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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