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Keloid Prevention and Treatment

At Saguaro Dermatology, we specialize in treating a wide range of skin conditions, including keloids, with compassionate, customized care. Our team of board-certified dermatologists and experienced medical staff are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest level of care possible.

What are Keloids?

Keloids are raised, thick scars that generally develop after an injury to the skin. Keloids may form within a month or even years after the injury. Unlike normal scars that are flat and fade over time, keloids are usually larger, raised, and do not go away on their own. They can be itchy, painful, and unsightly, and may limit movement in the affected area.

What do Keloids Look Like?

Keloids can vary in appearance, but they are usually raised, thick, and can have a smooth surface. They can be flesh-colored, pink, red, or darker than the surrounding skin. Keloids can also be shiny or have a waxy texture. In some cases, they may be accompanied by symptoms such as itching or pain.

How do Keloids Develop?

Keloids develop when the body produces too much collagen in response to an injury. Collagen is a protein that makes up the skin’s connective tissue. When the body produces too much collagen, it can lead to the formation of a keloid scar. Some people are more prone to developing keloids than others, and the exact cause is not well understood.

Where do Keloids Develop?

Keloids can develop anywhere on the body, but they are more common in areas where the skin is under tension, such as the chest, back, and shoulders. They can also develop in areas where the skin has been injured, such as after surgery, burns, or even from acne. Body/skin piercings may also activate keloid tissue.

Risk Factors for Keloids

Having a family or personal history of keloids makes you more at risk for developing keloids in the future. Keloids are more common in people with darker skin, the reason for this is unknown. You are also more likely to develop a keloid if you are between the ages of 20 and 30.

Are Keloids Preventable?

While there is no surefire way to prevent keloids from forming, there are some steps that you can take to reduce your risk of developing them. These include:

Try to avoid unnecessary trauma to the skin, such as piercings, tattoos, or elective surgery, if you are prone to developing keloids.
Proper wound care is important to prevent infection and reduce the risk of scarring. Keep wounds clean and covered until they have healed completely.
Sun exposure can cause skin damage and increase the risk of scarring. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and wear protective clothing when spending time outdoors.
Acne can cause scarring, including keloids. Treat acne promptly to reduce the risk of scarring.
Chronic skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, can increase the risk of scarring. Work with a dermatologist to manage these conditions and reduce the risk of scarring.

Who Treats Keloids?

Dermatologists are the medical professionals who specialize in treating keloids. At Saguaro Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists have extensive experience in treating keloids using the latest medical techniques and technologies. Early treatment of keloids is important as it can help minimize the growth of a keloid. Seek treatment soon after you notice the keloid’s development.

Medical Treatment Options in Phoenix, AZ

At Saguaro Dermatology, we offer a range of medical treatments for keloids, including:

  1. Steroid injections: Steroid injections are a common treatment option for keloids. A steroid is injected directly into the keloid, which can reduce its size and relieve symptoms such as itching and pain.
  2. Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy involves freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen. This can help to reduce the size and appearance of the keloid.
  3. Surgical removal: In some cases, surgical removal may be necessary to remove a keloid. This involves cutting out the keloid and stitching the skin back together. This procedure may be combined with other treatments, such as steroid injections, to reduce the risk of the keloid returning.
  4. Topical/creams: while improvement from creams is modest, they remain some of the cheaper and safer options for many patients.
In addition to these medical treatments, some patients may also find relief from natural remedies such as tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is an essential oil that is derived from the leaves of the tea tree plant, which is native to Australia. It has many potential health benefits, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. There is limited research on the effectiveness of tea tree oil for keloids, but some studies have suggested that it may help to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the affected area. To use tea tree oil for keloids, dilute a few drops of the oil in a carrier oil such as coconut oil, and apply it to the scar twice daily.

Do keloids go away on their own?

Keloids do not usually go away on their own. Without treatment, they may continue to grow and become more unsightly and uncomfortable. However, with proper medical treatment, keloids can be significantly reduced in size and appearance, and the symptoms associated with them can be alleviated.

Conclusion

At Saguaro Dermatology, we understand the discomfort and potential embarrassment associated with keloids. Our team of experienced dermatologists offers a range of medical treatments to help reduce the appearance and discomfort associated with keloids. While there is no surefire way to prevent keloids from.

Saguaro Dermatology Reviews

Itaro Elaisa
Itaro Elaisa

“I totally recommend this place to anyone who’s looking for a dermatologist who’s professional, informative, respectful and very helpful. They are quick to solve your problems and get you home.”

Wendy L.

I had an awesome experience with Dr Hamann and staff. I was very comfortable and i was able to have all my questions answered without feeling rushed. The staff was courteous and welcoming.

Robert P.

Staff was friendly, & on time. office is super clean!! Doctor was awesome, felt like a family member taking care of me.

Kristin Ulrich-Uhles
Kristin U

“Dr Dathan and the team were very helpful, kind and knowledgeable. Plus, there was no wait time so I was able to get back to work faster than expected. I would highly recommend.”
Sally Shepstead
Sally S.

“Very friendly and professional. I had a great experience, Dr. Hamann was very good at answering my questions and concerns. I will certainly come back for another visit.”

Amanda C.

Great doctor and friendly, professional staff. The doctor spends time listening and answering questions, something rare to find anymore. The office is beautiful and very clean. I love all the artwork with saguaros.

Kylin Chen
Kylin L.

“The office was recently renovated–it is a beautiful, clean, and calm environment. I would highly recommend this practice for anyone who is looking for a general dermatologist.”

L

Dr. Hamann is very knowledgeable, nice, and professional. You can tell that he truly cares about his patients by the way he operates. He took the time to listen to all of my concerns then address them with good, well-informed answers.

Saguaro Dermatology | Phoenix Dermatology

About Saguaro Dermatology

Our comprehensive dermatology clinic is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care, innovative practices, helpful resources and state-of-the-art technology to prevent and treat a multitude of skin disorders. Led by Carsten R. Hamann, MD, PhD, Dathan Hamann, MD, FAAD, Michael McBride, DO, Millard Thaler, MD, Mohs Surgeon and Jenna Wald, MD, Mohs Surgeon, our passionate team looks forward to serving you with respect and compassion.

Contact Our Team Today:
Set up an appointment with our friendly staff at: 480.681.3300