Types and forms of keloid scars: how to recognize and treat

Keloid scars are one of the most unpleasant forms of scar tissue that occur in response to skin injuries. These scars differ from normal scars in that they extend beyond the wound, increase in size, and can continue to grow even months or years after the injury has healed. In this article, we will look at the main Types and forms of keloid scarsTheir features and treatment methods.

Types of keloid scars

1. Fresh keloid scars
   Fresh keloids are pink or reddish in color, they are soft to the touch and may be painful or itchy. These scars form early and continue to grow for the first few months after the injury.
   • Treatment of fresh keloid scars often includes the use of corticosteroid creams to reduce inflammation and stop further scar growth.
2. Old keloid scars
   Older keloids are more dense, usually dark or brown in color, and much larger than the original wound. Such scars are more difficult to treat.
   • Removal of older keloid scars may require laser technology or steroid injections to soften the tissue and reduce scar volume.
3. Hypertrophic scars
   Hypertrophic scars are similar to keloid scars, but do not extend beyond the wound boundaries. They may diminish over time, but still require attention and treatment.
   • Laser treatment for hypertrophic scars helps to smooth the skin and reduce the appearance of such scars.

Formation of keloid scars

Understanding the causes of keloid formation allows you to better control their growth and prevent new scarring.

1. Genetic predisposition
   Studies show that a predisposition to keloid scars can be inherited. People with dark skin or certain genetic traits are more likely to experience this problem.
2. Injuries and surgeries
   Often keloids occur after surgery, trauma or burns. It is important to properly care for the skin after surgery to minimize the risk of developing keloids.
   • Keloid scars after surgery require special attention and care. The use of special dressings, silicone patches and protective creams will help prevent their development.
3. Influence of inflammation
   Inflammatory processes in the skin, such as acne or dermatitis, can lead to the formation of keloids in areas of tissue damage.

Treatment and prevention of keloid scars

There are several effective treatments for keloids that can help reduce their appearance or prevent them from forming.

1. Laser treatment of keloids
   Laser treatments can reduce the size of keloids, smooth their surface and make scars less noticeable. The laser also stimulates collagen production, which helps the skin to recover faster.
   • Laser keloid scar removal is often used in combination with other techniques to achieve better results.
2. Steroid injections
   Corticosteroids help soften scar tissue and stop the growth of keloids. These injections reduce inflammation and can significantly reduce the size of scars.
3. Silicone patches
   Silicone patches are one of the most effective ways to prevent and treat keloid scars. They moisturize the scar tissue and prevent it from further thickening.
4. Prevention of keloid formation
   To prevent the appearance of new keloids, it is important to properly care for the skin after injuries and surgeries. Regular use of sunscreen and special bandages will help protect the skin from UV rays and reduce the risk of scarring.

Keloid scars are a complex phenomenon that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment and prevention. The use of methods such as laser treatment, steroid injections и silicone patchesIn addition, it is important to understand the causes and mechanisms of keloid formation in order to take timely action and avoid unwanted consequences. Understanding the causes and mechanisms of keloid formation is also important in order to take timely action and avoid undesirable consequences.

Types of scars

Scars caused by increased tissue formation

Scars caused by increased tissue formation are called keloid or hypertrophic scars. The word "hypertrophic" means "enlarged" or "grown". Both hypertrophic and keloid scars are caused by an increased amount of collagen in the cells. Increased collagen production is the skin cells' response to injury. Excess collagen begins to accumulate into fibrous clusters, leading to the characteristic tight, smooth, irregularly shaped scars that rise above the surface of the skin.

If you know that any of your parents or grandparents had acne that left a mark on your face in the form of scars, then you should be very careful about your skin. Never squeeze out pimples with your hands. This can provoke not only the spread of inflammation, but also the appearance of scars. The best way to avoid problems is to carry tissues and cotton swabs to blot your face. A purse is the most convenient place where you can keep everything you need to avoid touching your skin and especially inflamed pimples with your hands.

Typical keloid or hypertrophic scars range in size from 1 to 2 mm in diameter, but can be 1 cm or more in length. Keloid scars tend to be "hereditary," meaning excessive growth of scar tissue is more likely in susceptible individuals whose relatives have a similar type of scarring from acne disease.

Hypertrophic or keloid scars last for years, but may decrease in size over time.

Scars caused by tissue resorption

Tissue resorption scars are similar to the scars that are left after chickenpox. They are more common than keloid and hypertrophic scars.

Pitting scars are common on the cheeks. They are usually small, with jagged edges and steep walls - similar to wounds from ice needle injuries. These scars can be shallow or deep, hard or soft to the touch. Soft scars can be improved by stretching the skin; hard pitting scars cannot be stretched.

Impressed fibrous scars are usually significantly larger, with sharp edges and sheer walls. The bases of these scars are hard to the touch. Over time, pitting scars can develop into indented fibrous scars.

Soft scars, both deep and superficial, are really soft to the touch. They have gently beveled rounded edges that blend in with normal skin. They are usually small, round or linear in shape.

Atrophic maculesScars that occur on the face are usually quite small, but they can be a centimeter or more in size if they occur on the body. They are soft, often with a slightly wrinkled base, and may have a bluish color because of the close proximity of blood vessels underneath the scar. Over time, in fair-skinned people, scars change color from bluish to ivory white and become less noticeable. Relaxing facial massage would be very helpful.

Follicular macular atrophy most commonly occurs on the cheeks and back. These small, white, soft lesions, often barely protruding above the surface of the skin, resemble underdeveloped acne with whiteheads. This skin condition is sometimes referred to as perifollicular elastises. This skin condition can last from a few months to several years.

Read about treatment options for keloid scars here.

Scars and scars how to get rid of