Keloids are a unique and often confusing skin condition that can significantly affect the physical and emotional well-being of an individual. These raised scars grow beyond the edges of the original wound or injury due to abnormal tissue formation during wound healing. However, keloids, despite their simplicity, present a complex problem to patient as well as providers.
Formation Mechanism of Keloids
At its core, keloid formation is a complex process involving repair and healing of skin after injury occurs. In this case, whenever there is an injury on the body, it reacts by initiating natural healing process that involves collagen production and scar tissue formation. In most cases, this process runs without hitches until the scar gradually fades away over time. On the other hand, people who are susceptible to keloiding experience overreaction resulting in unnecessary collagen secretion hence forming abnormal raised scars.
The precise mechanisms underlying this excessive response to repair have yet to be fully elucidated; however, research suggests that genetic predisposition may contribute to such outcomes along with hormonal imbalances and environmental factors (Kovacs 2016). Darker-skinned individuals especially Africans Americans appear to have more incidence of developing keloids indicating a potential genetic component.
Symptoms and Appearance
Size shape and appearance varies from one keloid to another therefore others may be irregularly shaped but they are generally firm raised ones that are characterized by their nature. Some of them can be small as singular patches while others grow extensively beyond where they were initiated. They come in colors ranging from red through pink up-to purple appearance before finally having shiny or even warty texture.
In addition to their physical appearance, keloids can also lead to various symptoms such as itching, pain or tenderness (American Academy of Dermatology). This is especially true when they restrict movement or cause discomfort which frequently happens if they locate themselves at sites like shoulders and chest areas where there is much tension and mobility especially of the lobes.
Conventional Treatments
Treating keloids can be a complex and often frustrating endeavor, as these stubborn growths can be resistant to a variety of interventions. Traditional treatments, such as steroid injections, cryotherapy (freezing), or surgical removal, can provide some relief, but they are not always effective, and the keloids may recur or even grow back larger than before.
The first challenge in treating keloids is that it is difficult to predict how they will behave. One person may respond well to treatment while another sees no improvement at all and the keloid continues growing despite intervention (Kovacs 2016). This variability makes it hard for healthcare providers to choose what would be most effective in each case. As a result patients may become frustrated by their lack of universality.
Emerging Treatments and Innovations
However, clinicians have made tremendous strides when it comes to managing keloids. New approaches are being investigated by researchers and health care providers for this formidable skin condition.
One exciting area of research involves targeted therapies like injecting anti-cancer drugs directly into keloidal tissues or applying special dressings which release compounds that stop cells from multiplying. It aims at interrupting abnormal cell growth as well as excessive collagen synthesis seen in keloid formation (American Academy of Dermatology).
Also, the treatment of laser is recommended and specifically fractional CO2 laser to reduce keloids size. This works by focusing on the particular keloid tissue, destroying it and allowing more organized healing.
Use of radiation therapy is also a new treatment option that may be employed to prevent recurrence after surgical removal of keloids. In this case, however, low-dose radiation will be administered carefully so as to hinder uncontrolled growth of cells leading to formation of keloids.
Microneedling: Hope for Keloids
A recently introduced approach which has received considerable attention in treating keloids is microneedling. This type of minimally invasive procedure involves small sterile needles used to create wounds on the skin thereby facilitating the body’s natural response towards healing.
The main advantage associated with applying microneedles on keloidal growths is its ability to interfere with abnormal collagen production hence promoting scarring processes. To do this, micro needles are made into tiny holes onto the keloid tissue hence breaking down excessive collagenous fibers for less controlled or uneven healing process.
Moreover, microneedling can be combined with other treatments like topical medications or radiofrequency energy application among others so as to enhance its efficiency.
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