Keloid removal, often considered a cosmetic procedure, can sometimes be medically necessary, offering relief from discomfort and other symptoms. Keloids, which are overgrown scars that extend beyond the original injury site, can sometimes cause pain, restricted movement, or even emotional distress, leading to a medical need for their removal.
You can go to a reliable and professional keloid removal clinic to get rid of them. There are also some home remedies; however, they are not always effective. This article explores the scenarios where keloid removal transitions from a cosmetic choice to a medical necessity, highlighting the importance of professional evaluation and treatment.
Are Keloids dangerous?
Keloids are not dangerous in the sense of being life-threatening, but they can pose some health and quality of life issues. These overgrown scars, which form at the site of skin trauma, are benign (non-cancerous) but can be cosmetically unappealing and may cause discomfort or itching. Keloids can occasionally cause mobility restrictions, especially if they are over a joint. It’s crucial to remember that keloids can be persistent and difficult to cure successfully, even though they pose no medical risk.
Why you should get rid of keloids?
- Physical Discomfort and Pain: Keloids can be itchy, tender, or even painful, especially when they rub against clothing or are located in areas of frequent movement.
- Restricted Movement: Depending on their location, keloids can impede normal movement. For example, keloids on joints like elbows or knees may limit flexibility and range of motion.
- Cosmetic Concerns: Many people seek keloid removal for aesthetic reasons. Large or prominently placed keloids can be a source of self-consciousness or embarrassment.
- Stopping Additional Growth: Keloids often continue to enlarge over time. Removing them can stop them from getting bigger especially if they grow in a way that interferes with the appearance or normal function of the skin.
- Psychological Impact: Having keloids can harm one mental state sometimes resulting in low self-esteem or social anxiety because of how they look.
- Risk of Complications: Rarely keloids may develop an ulcer or an infection that needs to be treated by a physician.
What happens if you leave keloids untreated?
- Persistent Growth: Keloids tend to grow progressively over time. Unlike regular scars, they don’t subside on their own and can continue to expand beyond the original wound area.
- Physical Discomfort: Untreated keloids can continue to cause discomfort, itchiness, or pain, especially in areas where clothing causes friction or joint areas that affect movement.
- Cosmetic Concerns: As keloids enlarge, they may become more obvious and adversely affect one’s self-esteem or psychological well-being.
- Potential Complications: If keloids are located in regions vulnerable to trauma or irritation, they may occasionally develop infections or ulcerations.
- Treatment Difficulty: A keloid may be more difficult to cure successfully the larger it gets. There could be more possibilities and possibly better results with early intervention.
When do Keloids become problematic?
Keloids themselves are benign (non-cancerous) and not dangerous in a life-threatening sense. However, there are certain situations where they might pose health concerns or require medical attention:
- Infection and Ulceration: In rare cases, keloids can become ulcerated or infected, especially in areas prone to irritation or constant friction. This can lead to complications requiring medical treatment.
- Interference with Physical Functions: If keloids form over joints or on parts of the body that impede movement (such as neck, hands, or the eyelids), they can restrict normal motion or functionality.
- Severe Pain or Discomfort: While keloids typically cause mild discomfort or itching, some can become very painful, especially in large or sensitive areas.
Best Keloid Removal Treatments & Methods
Keloid removal can be challenging due to the nature of the scar tissue but there are several effective treatments and methods available
- Injections of corticosteroids: One of the most popular forms of treatment these injections go straight into the keloid tissue. They can lessen discomfort lessen itching, and help flatten the keloid. For best results several sessions are typically needed.
- Surgical Removal: Surgical excision of the keloid can be effective but carries a risk of the keloid re-forming, sometimes larger than before. To mitigate this risk, surgery is often combined with other treatments like steroid injections or radiation.
- Laser Therapy: Lasers can reduce the size and redness of keloids. They are less invasive than surgery and can improve the texture and appearance of the scar tissue.
- Cryotherapy: It involves freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen, which can help reduce its size and hardness. Cryotherapy is more effective for smaller keloids.
- Silicone gel sheets: Placed over the keloid, these can gradually help the scar become softer and more level. They frequently work in tandem with other therapies.
- Pressure Therapy: After surgical removal of the keloid, using pressure garments or bandages can help reduce its size. When dealing with larger keloids, this approach works better.
- Radiation Therapy: Low-dose radiation is sometimes used after surgical removal to reduce the risk of the keloid returning. It’s typically used for larger or more aggressive keloids.
