Keloids are raised, thickened scars that form when the skin’s healing process goes awry. While most scars heal flat and fade over time, keloids continue to grow beyond the boundary of the original injury. For many people, learning how to stop a keloid from growing is crucial to managing both the appearance and potential emotional distress caused by these scars. Effective keloid self-care practices and treatment options can help prevent larger keloids from forming and provide solutions for those already dealing with them.
Before exploring ways to prevent or treat keloids, it’s important to understand what they are and why they form. A keloid develops when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process after a skin injury. This excessive collagen production creates the raised, thick scar tissue characteristic of keloids. Common types of skin injury, such as body piercings, acne scars, and surgical wounds, can all lead to keloid formation. The risk of scarring is particularly high in people with a history of keloids, especially those with darker skin, where keloid growth is more prevalent.
If you have a family history of keloids, you may be more likely to develop them after a skin injury. Genetic factors and the body’s tendency to overproduce collagen can both contribute to the formation of these scars. People with skin of colour are at a higher risk of developing larger keloids. It’s essential to understand how to stop a keloid from growing, especially if you have a predisposition to its formation.
Several factors can influence the growth of keloids. These include:
Original injury: The size and severity of the initial injury, as well as how it heals, can determine the likelihood of developing a keloid.
History of keloids: If you or your family members have had keloids in the past, there’s a greater chance of recurrence.
Skin colour: People with darker skin are at a higher risk of developing keloids, as their skin tends to produce more collagen in response to injuries.
Location of injury: Certain areas are at higher risk of developing keloids such as the ears, chest, back, shoulders, jawline, neck and over mobile joints.
Inflammation: If a wound is more inflamed e.g after an infection, the chances of developing keloids is higher
Tension over the wound: If there is high surface tension over the wound itself, the risk fo developing keloids will be higher
Keloid self-care plays a vital role in preventing further growth and managing existing scars. Proper care can minimise the chances of new keloids forming, particularly after a skin injury. Here are some practical steps you can take to care for your skin and reduce the risk of keloid growth:
While there’s no definitive cure for keloids, there are several effective treatment options that can help reduce their size and prevent further growth. These treatments range from topical remedies to more invasive procedures, depending on the severity of the keloid and the individual’s skin.
Corticosteroid injections are a widely used and effective treatment for keloids. They help by reducing inflammation and limiting the production of collagen, which can flatten the keloid and reduce its redness. Achieving noticeable results may require several sessions, but these injections are especially useful in stopping the keloid from growing further.
Laser treatment is another option for those seeking to improve the appearance of their keloids. Laser therapy such as pulsed dye lasers can help to target the blood supply to the keloid, reducing the discolouration of the keloid and helping to soften it to a certain extent. Carbon dioxide lasers can be used to remove ear keloids, but this must often be combined with intralesional steroid injections and ear pressure clips post-op.
In more severe cases, keloid surgery may be an option. Surgical removal involves cutting out the keloid tissue, though it comes with the risk of the keloid returning, especially if the original cause of keloid formation is not addressed. Microsurgical techniques can be employed and tissue handled gently to minimize the risk of keloid recurrence. We can also employ special techniques to preserve the skin over the keloid, minimizing scarring and tension over the wound. Surgery is typically followed by other treatments, such as corticosteroid injections or silicone-based tapes and gels, to prevent recurrence.
For persistent or large keloids, radiation therapy may be used after surgery to prevent the keloid from growing back. Radiation can help inhibit collagen production, reducing the chances of the keloid returning. However, it is generally reserved for more severe cases due to potential long-term risks, such as an increased risk of skin cancer.
In some cases, a skin biopsy may be conducted to rule out other more sinister conditions that can mimic keloids e.g dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). Based on the findings, a tailored treatment plan can be developed. This could include a combination of treatments such as corticosteroid injections, laser treatment, and pressure therapy.
People with a history of keloids are at an increased risk of developing keloids after body piercings or surgeries. If you’re considering a piercing or elective surgery, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of keloid scar tissue formation:
The appearance of keloids can cause significant emotional distress for some individuals. The scars may impact self-esteem, especially if they are located in visible areas, such as the face, neck, or hands. If keloid scars are causing emotional distress, it may be helpful to speak with a dermatologist or a counsellor who specialises in body image issues. In some cases, keloid surgery or other treatments may not only help with the physical appearance of the keloid but also contribute to a positive emotional outcome.
While there is no definitive cure for keloids, there are several treatment options and keloid self-care methods that can help prevent keloid growth and improve the appearance of keloids. Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your specific situation, especially if you have a family history of keloids or have experienced skin injuries in the past. With proper care and treatment, you can reduce the impact of keloids on both your physical and emotional well-being.
