KELOID

A keloid is a type of hypertrophic scar with mainly type I and some type III collagen which results in an overgrowth of tissue at the site of a healed skin injury. Keloids are firm, rubbery lesions or shiny, fibrous nodules, and can vary from pink to flesh-colored or red to dark brown in color. A keloid scar is benign, non-contagious, and usually accompanied by severe itchiness, sharp pains, and changes in texture. In severe cases, it can affect movement of skin. (Keloids should not be confused with hypertrophic scars, which are raised scars that do not grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound.)

A keloid, sometimes referred to as a keloid scar, is a tough heaped-up scar that rises quite abruptly above the rest of the skin. It usually has a smooth top. Keloids are irregularly shaped and tend to enlarge progressively. Unlike scars, keloids do not subside over time.

ETIOLOGY

CICATRICAL

• Infection of operation wounds.
• Burns.
• Pyodermas.
• Acne.

SECONDARY TO

• Injury.
• Ear piercing.
• Vaccination site.
• Injection site.

SPONTANEOUS

• Mosquito bite.
• Trauma.
• Scratching.
• Friction.
• Pressure.
• Brushing.

AGE

• 10-30 years.

SEX

• Common in females.

RACE

• Common in blacks.

CLINICAL FEATURES

ONSET

• Insidious.
• Develop very slowly, growing for several months.

LOCATION

• Chest, upper arms, back, sides of neck, ears.

SYMPTOMS

• Asymptomatic.
• Itching and pain.

LESION

• Starts as nodules or plaque.
• Gradually enlarging.
• Elevated.
• Firm consistency.
• Actively growing is red and itchy.
• Stable, long standing is dark brown.
• Irregular margins, with claw like extensions.

COMPLICATIONS

• Cosmetic disfigurement.
• May undergo malignant degeneration.
.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

In subjects predisposed to formation of keloids:
• Avoid any kind of trauma.
• If surgery is essential, incision should be minimal.
• Avoid injections and ear pricking.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT for KELOIDS

• Fluoricum acidum.
• Graphites.
• Nitricum acidum.
• Radium bromatum.
• Sabadilla.
• Silicea.
• Thiosinaminum.
• Thuja.