A keloid is an elevated scar which can be thicker than the surrounding skin, shiny, and develops outside the boundary of the wound, cut, or injury. Unlike regular scars that become flattened over time, keloids have the ability to develop indefinitely and may become itchy, painful, or cause cosmetic problems. Keloid evaluation and treatment services can be found at WeCare Clinic’s clinics located at Ukay Boulevard, Desa Melawati, and Setiawangsa, serving patients in Kuala Lumpur who suffer from this widespread skin condition.

It is very important for the Malaysian population to be aware of the condition known as keloids because these types of scars appear to occur more frequently among people with darker skin types.

Why Keloids Form

The development of keloid scars results from an excessive amount of collagen being produced by the body during the healing process, making the scar formation occur in excess of the initial damage site. Keloids can result from almost any form of skin injury, which includes but is not limited to:

• Incisions from surgery
• Piercings in the ears, especially the ear lobes
• Acne breakouts
• Burning
• Scratches and insect bites
• Injections

Risk factors associated with development of keloids are as follows:

• Having dark skin color, where there is a higher tendency for the formation of keloids — a factor that should be taken into account with regard to the diverse nature of the Malaysian population
• History of keloids in one’s family
• Being younger in age, since keloids occur mostly between teens and 30
• Specific location on the body such as chest, shoulders, ear lobes, and the jaw line
• History of keloids in one’s past, which makes it easier to get new ones

Keloid vs Hypertrophic Scar: Understanding the Difference

Treatment Approach

Keloid treatments may be tailored to meet each individual’s needs and often involve using several methods over time. Steroid injections are considered the first choice and gold standard of keloid treatment through reducing inflammation and making keloids softer. The treatment usually involves multiple steroid injections spaced over weeks with results being visible already after the first couple of injections.

Apart from injections, other types of treatments sometimes used in keloids are silicone gel or sheets, pressure treatment, and sometimes removal surgery, although it comes with a risk of a keloid appearing again, and often much bigger, which is why removal surgery is rarely used alone in treating keloids.

Our doctor will evaluate your keloid taking into account the size, location, age, and history of treatments applied and discuss the options for you during the consultation.

What to Expect During Treatment

Managing Expectations

Keloid therapy takes time since any improvement seen usually occurs slowly through multiple visits instead of just one appointment and full elimination may not be achieved in every case. It is important to know that there is a possibility that even if treatment is successful, keloids can come back. Because of this, some patients choose long-term treatment and monitoring. The doctor will inform you about what to expect from the treatment of your particular keloid at your visit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are keloid injections painful?

Most people describe the injections as being associated with momentary discomfort rather than actual pain. In some centers, a local anesthetic accompanies the procedure to assist in minimizing such pain.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on various factors, including the size, age, and location of your keloid. Most people usually need several sessions several weeks apart, as determined by your health care provider in relation to the progression of your keloid.

Can keloids be completely removed?

Sometimes complete elimination may not be possible since there is always the possibility that your keloid can come back even after treatment. Treatment usually aims at reducing the size of the keloid, flattening it, and controlling associated symptoms such as itching.

Why am I more prone to keloids than other people?

The formation of keloids is greatly determined by factors such as skin type, genetics, and family history. People with dark skins are more prone to developing keloids, and once you get a keloid, chances are high that you will get another one when you have an injury.