How to Identify Keloids

A keloid is a type of scar that is thick and irregular. It is caused by the overgrowth of tissue on and around a wound. Keloids are typically rubbery or shiny in appearance and are firm to the touch. These scars tend to cause embarrassment to those who bear them. In some cases, they may be painful or itchy as well. Those with highly pigmented skin, such as African-Americans, are more susceptible to them, as are young adult females.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Look for enlarged scars that are raised over the normal surface area of your wound or incision.
2. Look for irregular shapes, as keloids can be round or oddly shaped. Sometimes they may even have a bumpy appearance.
3. Watch out for pain. Some people with keloids report sharp pains in them. This pain may feel needle-like.
4. Pay attention to tenderness, as keloids tend to be rather sensitive to the touch.
5. Notice whether or not your scars itch intensely. This is a common symptom of keloids.
6. Check the coloring of your scar tissue, but don't use this alone to identify keloids. This type of scar tissue can be pink, skin-colored, reddish or brownish. As such, if you base your identification solely on coloring, you may have a very difficult time identifying the scars, as regular scars may be similar in color.

Tips & Warnings

• It's best to see a doctor to identify keloids if you never had them before. It is possible that what you have may be another type of scar tissue. You may even have some type of growth that is completely unrelated to scarring. In such a case, medical treatment may be necessary.
• Preventing keloids can be very difficult, as certain skin types are simply more prone to them. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing this type of scar tissue. Always cleanse your wounds and apply antibacterial cream to keep cuts and scrapes from getting infected.
• If you have a keloid, there are some treatments available to you, such as topical creams, steroid injections, freezing and surgery. No treatment is 100 percent effective. With surgery, there is the risk that a larger keloid will form where the original scar was removed.
• Do not pick, scratch or scrape cuts, scrapes, bumps or incisions. Doing so only increases your chances of developing keloids.
• Don't pierce your ears or other body parts if you are prone to keloids. You may develop keloids at the piercing site.