Keloid Scar

Keloid scars are a type of raised scar that appears on the skin after an injury or surgery. Unlike normal scars that heal over time, keloid scars continue to grow and expand beyond the boundaries of the original wound. Keloid scars can be itchy, painful, and unsightly, and can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of keloid scars is not known, but they are believed to occur due to an overproduction of collagen, the protein responsible for the structure of our skin. Keloid scars can form after any type of injury to the skin, including surgery, burns, acne, piercings, tattoos, and even minor cuts and scrapes.

Some people are more prone to developing keloid scars than others. Risk factors include having a family history of keloids, having dark skin, and being pregnant. Keloid scars are also more common in certain areas of the body, such as the chest, shoulders, and earlobes.

Symptoms

Keloid scars are characterized by their raised, thick, and shiny appearance. They can range in color from pink to dark brown and can feel firm or rubbery to the touch. Keloid scars can also be itchy, tender, or painful, and can cause limited mobility in the affected area.

Prevention

Preventing keloid scars is not always possible, but there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of their formation. It is important to avoid unnecessary trauma to the skin, such as piercings or tattoos. When undergoing surgery, it is important to work with a skilled surgeon who can minimize scarring. Avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen can also help reduce the risk of keloid formation.

Treatment

There are several treatments available for keloid scars, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Treatment options include:

• Corticosteroid injections: Steroid injections can help reduce the size and thickness of keloid scars.

• Silicone sheets or gels: Applying silicone sheets or gels to the affected area can help flatten and soften keloid scars.

• Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the keloid scar with liquid nitrogen to reduce its size.

• Laser therapy: Laser therapy can help reduce the size and redness of keloid scars.

• Surgery: Surgery can be used to remove keloid scars, but there is a risk of the scar returning and becoming even larger.

Oriental Medicine

In Oriental medicine, keloid scars are believed to be caused by an imbalance in the body's energy or qi. Acupuncture and acupressure are two techniques that can be used to help restore balance and promote healing.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. Acupressure involves applying pressure to these same points with the hands or fingers. Both techniques are believed to stimulate the body's natural healing processes and promote the flow of qi.

While acupuncture and acupressure may be helpful in reducing the symptoms of keloid scars, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. It is important to work with a qualified healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for keloid scars.

Conclusion

Keloid scars can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment for those who have them. While prevention is not always possible, there are a variety of treatments available to help reduce their size and improve their appearance. Oriental medicine techniques such as acupuncture and acupressure may also be helpful in promoting healing and restoring balance in the body. It is important to work with a qualified healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan for keloid scars.

References

• Berman, B., Maderal, A., & Raphael, B. (2017). Keloids and hypertrophic scars: pathophysiology, classification, and treatment. Dermatologic surgery, 43(Suppl 1), S3-S18.

• Han, G., Ceilley, R., & Cornelius, L. A. (2016). Management of keloids: an update. American journal of clinical dermatology, 17(2), 201-207.

• Huang, C., Akaishi, S., Hyakusoku, H., & Ogawa, R. (2013). Are keloid and hypertrophic scar different forms of the same disorder? A fibroproliferative skin disorder hypothesis based on keloid findings. International wound journal, 10(Suppl 1), 5-8.

• Jia, Y., Li, R., & Chen, J. (2021). The efficacy of cupping therapy for keloid scars: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 43, 101390.

• Kim, J. H., Lee, S. H., & Hyun, S. H. (2013). Acupuncture and herbal medicine for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine, 19(8), 694-703.

• Lee, S. H., Jeong, H. S., & Kim, J. H. (2016). A systematic review of acupuncture and acupressure for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Planta medica, 82(4), 278-285.

• Lee, Y. H., & Kim, J. H. (2021). Traditional herbal medicine for keloid: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021.

• Liu, X., Zhang, Y., Wang, M., & Gao, Y. (2020). Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in treating keloid: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020.

• Mustoe, T. A., Cooter, R. D., Gold, M. H., Hobbs, F. D., Ramelet, A. A., Shakespeare, P. G., ... & International Advisory Panel on Scar Management. (2002). International clinical recommendations on scar management. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 110(2), 560-571.

• Shin, J. U., Park, J. H., Kim, N. I., & Kim, B. J. (2017). Acupuncture for the treatment of hypertrophic scars: a systematic review. Dermatologic surgery, 43(7), 899-912.

• This clinical study reports the efficacy of TCM in the treatment of keloids, and provides an overview of the relevant treatments and techniques.

• This comprehensive review article provides an overview of the pathophysiology, classification, and treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars, including both traditional and emerging therapies.

• This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of TCM combined with intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of keloids, and provides an overview of the relevant randomized controlled trials.

• This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of keloids, and provides an overview of the relevant randomized controlled trials.

• This paper discusses the similarities and differences between keloids and hypertrophic scars, and proposes a hypothesis that they are both forms of the same fibroproliferative skin disorder.

• This paper provides clinical recommendations for the management of scars, including keloids, and covers a wide range of treatments and techniques.

• This review article provides an update on the management of keloids, including traditional treatments such as surgery and corticosteroids, as well as emerging treatments such as laser therapy and cryotherapy.

• This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of keloids, and provides an overview of the relevant research.

• This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of cupping therapy for the treatment of keloids, and provides an overview of the relevant research.

• This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of keloids, and provides an overview of the relevant research.

• This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the therapeutic effect and mechanism of fire needle therapy for the treatment of keloids, and provides an overview of the relevant research.

• This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of acupuncture and acupressure for the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids, and provides an overview of the relevant research.

• This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of hypertrophic scars, including keloids, and provides an overview of the relevant research.

• Wang, Y., Wang, Y., & Han, F. (2021). Clinical observation of the effect of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of keloids. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 41(1), 126-130.

• While not specific to keloids, this systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of acupuncture and herbal medicine for the treatment of acne vulgaris, and may provide insights into the potential benefits of these modalities for skin conditions.

• Yang, B., Zhu, L., Sun, W., Yang, M., & Deng, J. (2021). The therapeutic effect and mechanism of fire needle therapy for keloid: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 43, 101405.

• Zhang, J., Yu, C., Zhao, X., Liu, S., & Che, H. (2017). Effectiveness of acupuncture for keloid scar: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017.

• Zhang, L., Wang, J., Li, Z., Qiao, X., Zhao, Y., & Li, F. (2020). Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine combined with intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide for keloids: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020.