Keloid Prevention and Treatment in Phoenix, AZ

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.

Keloids are raised, thick scars that generally develop after an injury to the skin. They 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.

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. They can also be shiny or have a waxy texture. In some cases, they may be accompanied by symptoms such as itching or pain.

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.

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.

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

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:

Dermatologists are the medical professionals who specialize in treating keloids. At Saguaro Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists have extensive experience in treating them 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.

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.

They 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.

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 them. While there is no surefire way to prevent keloids from.