Keloids
Keloids are a form of scar tissue that occur due to acne, blisters, trauma, body piercing, razor bumps, vaccinations, or surgery. Often in rare cases, keloids can form where there has been no visible injury.
Keloids are different from normal scars. They are known to be like scars that do not stop growing. Typically keloids appear as round, smooth, shiny skin elevations that may be a pink, purple or brown in color. It has been observed that keloids are often described as uncomfortable and itchy and may appear unsightly. At times, keloids can be tender and painful to the touch.
The growth of keloids may slowly continue for weeks, months, or even years. Even though they eventually stop growing, they do not disappear on their own. Keloids are a permanent scar that must be properly removed and/or treated. Often removed keloids return and therefore must be treated again.
At Utah Valley Dermatology, Dr. David Myers will review the appearance of a keloid to ensure proper diagnosis. In some cases we may perform a biopsy of the keloid to examine the tissue. It is unknown what causes keloids; however, although not yet scientifically proven, it has been suggested that changes in cellular signals that direct the growth and proliferation of the cells are related.
The immune response to these allergens are the symptoms commonly associated with eczema, including patches of dry and red skin that can be extremely itchy and that worsen when scratched. It is common for the itchy sensation to appear before the rash, and in fact, eczema is often called “the itch that rashes”. If the affected skin is repeatedly scratched, the patch may become crusty or ooze. Atopic Eczema commonly affects children, but it can continue into adulthood or start later in life. Eczema usually starts in infancy from the ages of 2 months to 12 months. While eczema is not contagious, it is hereditary. The severity of eczema ranges from mild to severe. Treatment differs on the degree of the eczema.
What treatments are available?
Unfortunately, there is no “magic cure” for treating eczema. However, treatment can greatly relieve the skin and prevent further breakouts. The best way to treat eczema is to heal the skin barrier and decrease inflammation. To do this, Dr. Myers often uses a combination of healing moisturizer creams and steroidal creams. Topical corticosteroids are commonly used to decrease redness, inflammation, and itchiness associated with eczema. They work by decreasing the overactive immune reaction in the skin. Topical corticosteroids range from weak over the counter hydrocortisone to stronger prescription-strength steroids. Often a patient will use a topical corticosteroid for a few days, then when the rash has improved, they stop the medication and inevitably the rash returns. The reason for this is that the topical steroid only treats the symptoms of eczema. What is missing is a long term plan to heal the skin barrier. That is why Dr. Myers combines corticosteroids with a topical healing cream (Cerave, Curel, etc.). These healing creams contain the naturally occurring ceramides and lipids that the skin needs to be repaired. These creams alone could help improve eczema symptoms, but would take much longer without being combined with a corticosteroid to quickly reduce inflammation and itchiness. This combination effectively treats the symptoms of eczema, as well as the underlying problem.
Keloid Treatments
Depending on the size, depth, and type of keloid you are experiencing on your skin, Dr. David Myers will complete a full check on the keloid spot and consult with you as to which treatment would be most effective to remove the growth and help you reach your desired results.
If you have questions concerning Keloids and Scars, call our office and schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. David Myers. At your visit, Dr. Daivd Myers will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan for your condition.
- Cortisone injections — are safe and cause little pain; however, they may leave a mark and only reduce the scar.
- Cryosurgery — uses liquid nitrogen and has a risk of altering the skin color in the area of the scar.
- Pressure dressings — have varying rates of success and can be administered with various materials, including silicone.
- Lasers — are effective in making keloids appear flatter and less red, typically requiring multiple treatments to achieve desired results.
- Surgery (excision) — has the risk of triggering larger or similar keloids and may be combined with steroid injections, pressure dressings, or radiation for optimal results.
About
Dr. David Myers
Dr. David Myers is a board certified dermatologist and Fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery. His expertise and attention to detail make him a trusted doctor in his community.
