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Q: I pierced my nose and a keloid developed. Is it dangerous?

A: Simply explained, a keloid is a mass of scar tissue that results from trauma to the skin stemming from burns, piercing, surgery, or acne. A variation of normal wound healing, these scars--which may be rubbery or firm--grow outward from the skin and extend beyond the original wound. Although some keloids are painful, they are in no way a life-threatening condition.

Q: What causes keloids?

A: No one knows exactly what causes keloids, but they are more common in African-Americans than among Whites--probably because keloids are influenced by melanin. Also, females who are pregnant, going through puberty, or suffering from a thyroid condition are more likely to develop them.

Q: Can they be prevented?

A: Keloids are not easy to get rid of once they have developed, so prevention is the best strategy.

* If you know that you are prone to developing the scars, avoid unnecessary surgery, including body piercing and "tummy tucks."

* If you are having surgery, be sure to tell your doctor that you are concerned about possible keloids so that the surgical team can take special care in placing the incisions. Herbalists recommend that you take 20 to 60 milligrams of the herb gota kula three times a day, starting three months before surgery and continuing for three months afterward.

Q: What is the best way to treat keloids?

A: A number of treatment options are available. Factors to consider when deciding on one are the size of the scar, how long you have had it, and where it is located. If you have a keloid or even suspect that you may have one, it is important to contact a dermatologist. The two of you can decide on the best treatment or combination of treatments. Remember that the earlier you treat a keloid, the more effective the treatment is likely to be.

Treatment options include these:

* Injection: Cortisone or interferon, which are injected directly into the area, are most effective if administered when a wound is healing and before a keloid has started to form.

* Compression: Sometimes you can remove scars by using an object to flatten and soften them. This works best with easy-to-reach areas like the earlobes, where button-like earrings worn over time can successfully treat a keloid. A type of covering called Silastic gel, which is applied at night to the keloid for several months, is held in place with tape.

* Surgery: A number of surgical techniques can also eliminate or reduce keloid scars, especially when combined with injections and pressure techniques. Conventional surgery, cryosurgery (in which the scar is frozen with liquid nitrogen), and laser surgery are all options. The risk with any surgical procedure, ironically, is that keloids may recur during the healing process.

* Radiation: While radiation has been effective in many cases, some doctors hesitate to recommend it because of the small, but serious, possibility of cancer occurring as a result.

* Tape: One of the newest developments in the treatment of keloids is the use of tape to which steroids have been added. The tape, which must be prescribed by a doctor, can be applied at home directly onto the scar. Over time, the steroids are released and the keloid shrinks.

* Tea-tree oil: This versatile antiseptic is a favorite home remedy for removing keloids. Although it works best on newly formed scars, it is also effective on older ones. Use a cotton ball to apply the oil to the scar morning and night.

Ayana Byrd is a NiaOnline channel producer and beauty writer based in New York City

Published on: 04/02/2001

The National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research  
BlackWomensHealth.com: Keloids  
Health Central Encyclopedia: Keloids  






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