What Causes Keloids and How Does Treatment Help?

Keloids are a type of raised scar that can form after skin injury, surgery, or even minor skin trauma. Unlike typical scars, keloids grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound and can continue to enlarge over time, often causing discomfort or cosmetic concern. Many individuals seek expert care to manage this condition, and Keloids Treatment in Abu Dhabi offers effective solutions tailored to reduce their appearance and improve skin health. Understanding the causes of keloids and how treatments work is essential for anyone affected by this challenging skin condition.

What Are Keloids?

Keloids are overgrowths of dense fibrous tissue that develop during the healing process of a skin injury. They extend beyond the original wound site, creating thick, raised scars that can be red, purple, or darker than the surrounding skin.

Characteristics of Keloids

Raised, thickened scar tissue
Extends beyond the injury boundary
Can cause itching, tenderness, or pain
Varies in color and size
May affect physical comfort and appearance

Keloids often develop weeks to months after the initial trauma and can sometimes grow slowly over years.

Causes of Keloids

Keloid formation is influenced by several factors involving skin healing and individual predisposition.

Skin Injury and Trauma

Cuts, surgical incisions, burns, piercings, acne, and insect bites can trigger keloid formation.
Even minor skin injuries like vaccinations or scratches might lead to keloids in susceptible individuals.

Genetic Predisposition

Some people have a higher likelihood of developing keloids due to genetic factors.
Individuals with darker skin tones are more prone to keloids.

Abnormal Healing Response

Keloids result from an overproduction of collagen during wound healing.
This excessive collagen buildup leads to thick, fibrous scar tissue formation.

Other Factors

Tension or movement on the wound site during healing may increase keloid risk.
Hormonal changes can influence scar formation, with some patients noticing keloids during puberty or pregnancy.

Types of Keloids and Their Treatment Options

Keloids can vary widely in size, shape, and location, and so do the treatments that best address them.

Type of Keloid	Description	Common Locations
Hypertrophic Scars	Raised scars that remain within wound boundaries	Shoulders, chest, back
True Keloids	Extend beyond the original wound edges	Earlobes, chest, shoulders
Nodular Keloids	Large, nodular, sometimes painful scars	Various body parts

Treatment Options

Treatment	How It Works	Ideal For
Corticosteroid Injections	Reduces inflammation and flattens the scar	Small to moderate keloids
Silicone Gel Sheets	Hydrates and softens scar tissue	Mild keloids
Laser Therapy	Improves color and texture by targeting blood vessels	Various keloid sizes
Cryotherapy	Freezes and reduces scar tissue volume	Small, nodular keloids
Surgical Excision	Removes keloid tissue surgically	Large or resistant keloids
Radiation Therapy	Used post-surgery to prevent recurrence	Post-excision treatment
Pressure Therapy	Applies pressure to flatten scars	Earlobe and joint areas

How Does Treatment Help with Keloids?

Treatments aim to reduce the size, redness, and discomfort caused by keloids while improving the skin’s appearance and flexibility.

Reducing Scar Thickness and Size

Corticosteroid injections and cryotherapy physically reduce scar tissue bulk.
Surgical excision removes excessive tissue for a smoother skin contour.

Improving Skin Texture and Color

Laser therapy can target blood vessels within the scar to reduce redness and smooth the surface.
Silicone sheets help keep the scar hydrated, promoting softer, more pliable skin.

Preventing Recurrence

Combined treatments, such as surgery followed by radiation or corticosteroids, lower the risk of keloids returning.
Pressure therapy applies controlled force to scar sites, discouraging excessive collagen buildup.

Enhancing Comfort

Treatments alleviate itching, tenderness, and pain often associated with keloids.
Improved skin flexibility reduces restrictions in movement when scars are located near joints.

Factors to Consider Before Treatment

Several factors influence the choice of treatment and expected outcomes.

Scar Age and Size

Newer scars might respond better to less invasive options like silicone sheets or injections.
Older, larger keloids often require a combination of surgery and adjuvant therapies.

Location of Keloid

Certain areas, such as the earlobe or ches,t may require specialized treatments like pressure therapy or radiation.

Patient Skin Type

Darker skin types are more prone to keloid formation but can also respond well to carefully managed treatments.

Previous Treatments

Patients with recurrent keloids may benefit from more aggressive or combined therapies.

Pros and Cons of Common Keloid Treatments

Treatment	Pros	Cons
Corticosteroid Injections	Non-surgical, reduces size	May require multiple sessions
Silicone Gel Sheets	Easy to use, non-invasive	Less effective on large keloids
Laser Therapy	Improves color and texture	Multiple sessions needed
Cryotherapy	Can shrink scars significantly	Possible skin lightening
Surgical Excision	Immediate removal of scar tissue	Risk of recurrence if not combined
Radiation Therapy	Prevents recurrence post-surgery	Limited availability
Pressure Therapy	Useful for specific locations	Requires consistent use

Importance of Early Intervention

Treating keloids early often leads to better outcomes. Early treatment can prevent the scar from growing larger and reduce symptoms more effectively. Individuals who notice abnormal scar growth after injury or surgery should consult a dermatologist promptly to discuss treatment options.

Maintaining Healthy Skin After Treatment

Protect treated areas from excessive sun exposure to avoid pigmentation changes.
Keep scars moisturized using recommended creams or gels.
Follow post-treatment instructions carefully to promote healing and prevent recurrence.
Regular follow-ups with a dermatologist ensure timely management if the keloid reappears.

Why Choose Enfield Royal Clinic for Keloid Treatments

Expertise in Dermatology and Scar Management

Enfield Royal Clinic in Abu Dhabi provides comprehensive care for patients dealing with keloids and other challenging skin conditions. Their team combines advanced technology with expert clinical knowledge to offer personalized keloid treatment plans.

Customized Treatment Plans

Recognizing that every patient’s skin and scars are unique, the clinic focuses on individualized assessments to determine the best course of action. Whether the keloids are small or extensive, Enfield Royal Clinic designs treatment protocols that balance effectiveness with minimal invasiveness to restore skin texture and appearance.

Conclusion

Keloids represent an abnormal scar formation process resulting from injury and influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Treatment options range from non-invasive methods like corticosteroid injections and silicone sheets to surgical excision combined with advanced therapies. These treatments aim to reduce scar size, improve skin texture, alleviate symptoms, and prevent recurrence.

For those seeking expert care, Keloids Treatment in Abu Dhabi offers personalized and advanced solutions tailored to individual needs. With early intervention and proper management, patients can regain smoother skin and improved confidence.

FAQs About Keloid Treatment in Abu Dhabi

1. What causes keloids to form?

Keloids develop due to an abnormal healing process where excess collagen builds up after skin injury. Genetic predisposition and skin type also play key roles.

2. Can keloids be completely removed?

While treatment can significantly reduce their size and symptoms, keloids may recur, especially without combined therapy. Early and personalized treatment improves success rates.

3. Are keloid treatments painful?

Most treatments involve minimal discomfort. Corticosteroid injections and cryotherapy might cause mild pain, while surgical options involve local anesthesia for comfort.