What are Keloids?
A Keloid is formed by a scar from a previous injury which is thickened and raises above the skin. When the skin is injured, fibrous tissue known as scar tissue forms over the wound to repair and defend the injury. In some cases, more scar tissue grows, forming smooth hard growths referred to as keloids.

Keloids may grow larger than the actual wound and they most commonly affect the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and cheeks. However, keloids can affect any part of the body.

They usually pose no threats healthwise (neither contagious nor cancerous) but they may pose cosmetic and personal concerns.

What are the Causes of Keloids?
It is important to note that whatever causes injury and scarring of the skin can potentially cause keloids.

Some of the potential causes include;

1. Cuts

2. Vaccination sites

3. Piercing and punctures

4. Burns

5. Previous surgery scars and injectibles

6. Tattoos

7. Previous skin diseases like chicken pox

8. Folliculitis

9. Insect bites

10. Hormonal changes

Diagnosis of Keloids
The diagnosis is usually inferred from the information you have provided on the progression of the scar. The skin specialist conducts a visual examination of the scar to check its size, shape, and growth pattern. The Skin specialist will also get a proper look into your medical history to rule out the presence of other Skin and general health-related concerns.

What are the symptoms of Keloids
1. Itchy, tender and painful scar

2. Darkening and gradual thickening of the skin and raised skin in the affected area

3. Irritated scar

Keloid and scar treatment in Nigeria
The processes for keloid and scar excision include;

Surgical removal

In the case of large keloids or older keloid scars, surgical elimination is the best-suggested treatment. The advantages of removing a large keloid outweigh the risk of post-surgery scars.

Cryosurgery

This is possibly the most advantageous kind of treatment for keloids, also referred to as cryotherapy, the process works by mainly “freezing” away the keloid with liquid nitrogen.

Corticosteroid injections

The doctor may also advocate corticosteroid injections after surgical operation to decrease irritation and decrease the chance of the keloid returning.

Laser treatment for keloids
For certain kinds of scars (including some keloids), The Doctor may advocate laser treatment. This therapy resurfaces the keloid and surrounding skin with excessive beams of light to create a smoother, more toned appearance.

How to Prevent keloids
The foremost way of preventing keloids is to protect your skin from injury of any sort in the first place.

Others include;

1. Avoid body piercings, tattoos and elective surgeries especially if you are keloid prone.

2. Practice good wound care habits after an injury or any form of trauma to your skin.

3. Follow up your healed wounds with silicone gel especially if you are keloid prone.

Keloid Surgery Cost in Nigeria
Keloid treatment costs depend on the following factors;

1. Location of keloids/site of scar

2. Size of keloids

3. Number of keloids

4. Type of treatment

5. Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) Is there a way to permanently remove keloids?

Using a combination of treatments can work to permanently eliminate keloids. One highly recommended method is the introduction of cryo treatment after undergoing a keloid surgery.

2) What is the best medicine for keloids?

Corticosteroid shots before or after surgery under the Doctor's approval have proven to be the best front-line medicine to combat keloids.

3) What is the fastest way to get rid of keloids?

Surgery is the fastest proven means to get rid of Keloids.

4) How do you stop a keloid from growing?

Early treatment can help prevent the further growth of keloids. If you tackle keloids early enough, they may not increase further in size. Medical techniques like freezing have proven to help keloids from further becoming bigger.

5) Can keloids be removed permanently?

Yes, Keloids can be effectively and permanently tackled with a combination of treatments.

6) What are hypertrophic Scars?

Hypertrophic scars are raised thickened scars which form from trauma to the skin. They are very similar to keloids but the thickening and growth of hypertrophic scars do not go beyond the exact site of initial injury.

7) Is Keloid surgery painful?

A numbing cream or injection depending on the type of treatment is used to reduce the pain so you almost do not feel the process.

How long does Keloid removal surgery take?

It takes less than 45 minutes in total but if there are many keloids to be taken out, this duration may vary.