Fibrous Tissue Abnormalities – Keloid

Keloids are a very common skin lesion that I encounter frequently in both my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices.  Clinically, Keloids are scars which have grown excessively beyond their original borders into tender, firm protruding nodules.  They can arise from trauma to the skin, surgical incisions, and even acne lesions.  The most common location for Keloids is the chest and back but they may be frequently found on the scalp, neck, ears and extremities.  It is very rare to have a Keloid develop on the central face.  Some patients are more prone to develop Keloids than others.  Treatment of Keloids typically involves intralesional injection of Kenalog 20mg/cc usually done every month until the Keloid has become softer, smaller and more pliable.  This treatment does not eliminate the Keloid but can reduce it in size and alleviate some symptoms.  Other treatments used are surgical excision followed by low dose radiation treatment or aldara cream; however, the Keloids may return even larger with this treatment modality.  Some patients have success using compression devices or silicon sheeting.