All About Keloid..

A keloid is an over aggressively healed wound. Basically, a keloid is an enlarged scar with a significant increase in collagen deposition. In normal skin, the collagen bundles basically run parallel and in a uniform manner. Keloids, on the other hand when evaluated by microscopy are noted to have no discrete collagen bundles. There is a diffuse, random organization of the collagen bundles with no significant regularity or associated relationship to the skin surface as seen with normal skin.

What is the cause of Keloid formation?

The incidence of keloid scar formation in human beings is much greater in darker skinned individuals and African-Americans. There is approximately a 15 times greater incidence of keloid formation in African-Americans than in Caucasians. One of the most significant aspects of keloid formation is that of its relationship to trauma or injury of the skin. Accidental or surgical injury to the skin is a predisposing factor to keloid formation. On the other hand, many keloids will form without any significant relationship to trauma, injury or surgery to the skin. The site of development of keloids is also of importance. There are specific areas of the body that are much more prone to keloid formation. The chest and presternal areas are significantly at risk for keloid formation. Also the shoulders and deltoid regions are commonly affected by keloids. Skin tension is a factor. Clearly, increased skin tension such as occurs in the shoulder area is a predisposing factor. On the other hand, the central portion of the face in and around the nose and lips is less likely and uncommonly is noted to have keloids.