Keloids are thick, raised, often itchy or painful tumor-like scars
that develop following surgery or injuries to the skin. They are usually associated with darker skin pigmentation and
are most commonly seen in individuals of African, Hispanic and Asian ethnicity.
Keloids occur most often on the chest, back,shoulders and ears(after
ear piercing). Treatment can be difficult and prolonged and the rate of recurrence is high, thus a combination of different
modalities are often used in treating them including steroid injection, excision, pressure therapy, and radiation therapy.
A history of keloids predisposes an individual to developing more
keloids so it is important to inform your doctor of any such history when considering elective or cosmetic surgery.
