Keloids are a common cosmetic and medical concern for many individuals. These overgrown scars can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and even painful, leading many people to seek treatment options to reduce their appearance and discomfort.
- What Are Keloids?
Keloids are abnormal overgrowths of scar tissue that extend beyond the original wound boundaries. Unlike typical scars, keloids continue to grow even after the wound has healed, resulting in raised, thickened, and sometimes discoloured tissue. They can form after injuries such as cuts, burns, surgical incisions, piercings, or even minor skin traumas like acne.
Keloids are more common in individuals with darker skin tones, and they tend to form on certain parts of the body, such as:
- The chest
- Shoulders
- Upper back
- Ears (particularly after piercings)
Though keloids are not harmful to your health, they can be itchy, painful, or aesthetically bothersome, leading individuals to seek treatment.
- Why Do People Seek Correction of Keloids?
- Cosmetic Concerns: Keloids can be large and prominent, causing self-consciousness, especially when located on visible areas such as the face, neck, or ears.
- Discomfort: Many keloids cause itching, tenderness, or even pain, especially when they stretch or restrict skin movement.
- Functional Impairment: In some cases, keloids may limit movement or cause discomfort when stretched, particularly on joints or areas that experience frequent movement.
- Preventing Recurrence: Individuals with a history of keloids may seek treatment to prevent new keloids from forming after surgical procedures or injuries.
- Treatment of Keloids
The treatment of keloids can be challenging, as they tend to recur after removal or treatment. A combination of treatments is often required to manage keloids effectively. Common treatment options include:
- Surgical Excision:
Surgical removal of the keloid, though effective, has a high recurrence rate if not combined with other treatments.
2. Laser Therapy:
Laser treatment can flatten keloids and reduce discoloration, though multiple sessions may be needed.
3. Radiation Therapy:
Low-dose radiation can be used after surgical excision to reduce the risk of recurrence.
4. Steroid Injections:
One of the most effective non-surgical treatments for keloids, often used alone or in combination with other therapies.
- Treating Keloids with Steroid Injections at MACS Clinic
At MACS Clinic, Mr. Shailesh Vadodaria treats the keloids using local steroid injections, a non-invasive and highly effective method. Steroid injections work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the overproduction of collagen, which is responsible for the thickened scar tissue.
How Steroid Injections Work:
- Triamcinolone Acetonide, a commonly used steroid, is injected directly into the keloid tissue. This reduces the fibroblast activity, which in turn decreases the size of the keloid.
- Multiple Sessions: Steroid injections are typically administered over several sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, to gradually reduce the size of the keloid.
- Combination Therapy: Steroid injections can be combined with other treatments, such as laser therapy, or surgical excision, to enhance results and prevent recurrence.
Why Steroid Injections Are Effective:
- Reduces Size: Steroid injections help flatten the keloid, making it less raised and noticeable.
- Decreases Discomfort: In addition to reducing the size of the keloid, the steroid also reduces itching, tenderness, and pain.
- Prevents Recurrence: When combined with other treatments, steroid injections significantly reduce the likelihood of the keloid returning after removal.
- Post-Steroid Injection Care
After receiving steroid injections for keloid treatment at MACS Clinic, it’s essential to follow proper aftercare to prevent complications. Here’s what patients should do after treatment:
- Avoid Irritation: Keep the treated area clean and avoid any unnecessary friction or pressure on the keloid, such as tight clothing or jewellery.
- Moisturize: Use a gentle moisturizer (bio-oil, Nivea, E45) on the treated area to prevent dryness and irritation.
- Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen to the treated area, as sun exposure can worsen the appearance of keloids and cause darkening of the scar tissue.
- Follow-up Visits: Regular follow-up visits with Mr. Vadodaria are essential to monitor progress and determine if additional injections are needed.
The results of steroid injections often become noticeable within a few weeks, as the keloid gradually flattens and becomes less prominent. Multiple treatment sessions may be required, but patients typically see a significant improvement in the size, texture, and discomfort of their keloid.
Contact us:
02070784378
www.macsclinic.co.uk
info@macsclinic.co.uk
