A keloid scar is a benign, abnormal, over-proliferation of scar tissue following a cutaneous injury
Aetiology
The injury can be minor (such as a body piercing, insect bite or acne spot) or more significant (such as surgery or a burn)
Keloid scars typically appear three to four weeks following an injury and can cause symptoms including tenderness and itching
Risk factors
Darker skin, especially those of African, Hispanic or Chinese ethnicity
Age between puberty and 30 years old
Previous history of a keloid scar
Clinical features
A keloid scar appears as a hard, smooth growth which characteristically extends beyond the original site of injury
The scar will not spontaneously regress with time
Keloid scars can form on any part of the body but are most common following injury to the upper chest, sternum, shoulders, face, earlobes and lower legs
Management
Management of keloid scars involves pressure dressings, topical or injected corticosteroids, cryotherapy or laser therapy
Surgical removal is often unsuccessful as further Keloid scarring can occur.
