[Click! Health] A Raised Scar Like a Lump? "You Should Suspect a Keloid Scar"

If a scar area is abnormally raised compared to other areas, a keloid scar should be suspected. If there is itching or pain in the keloid scar area, it is advisable to consult a specialist for treatment.

The photo is unrelated to the article content. [Image provided by Pixabay]

According to Korea University Guro Hospital, scars usually heal through the inflammation phase, proliferation phase, and remodeling phase. If problems occur during this process, keloid scars, which are enlarged scars, may develop. Unlike regular scars, keloid scars appear thick and protruding like lumps and do not heal naturally, requiring treatment.

Keloid scars and hypertrophic scars, which are conditions where scars progressively enlarge, differ from acne atrophic scars or scars from dehisced laceration sutures in that they appear thick and raised. Keloid scars extend beyond the original wound area and invade normal skin. Furthermore, keloid scars do not improve naturally over time.

Keloid scars are known to occur frequently on the chest, shoulders, and earlobes. Their shape can grow along the direction of skin tension or proliferate with a red, raised appearance in the vertical direction. Sometimes, it is difficult to identify a clear cause of the scar, and they can also develop due to inflammatory reactions such as folliculitis or acne. Patients with keloid scars often complain of itching (pruritus) or pain in the scar area.

The exact cause of keloid scars has not yet been clearly identified. Although many studies have been conducted on the causes of keloid scars, the widely accepted theory is that chronic inflammatory reactions in the reticular dermis layer of the skin’s dermis are strongly associated with their development.

Keloid scars do not necessarily require treatment. However, if there is pain or severe itching in the scar area causing discomfort in daily life, or if keloids in exposed areas cause psychological stress, it is recommended to consult a specialist for treatment.

Various treatments for keloid scars have been developed through recent research. Surgical treatment completely removes the collagen in the dermis layer of the scar area to suppress the chain inflammatory response. Other treatments include postoperative radiation therapy, steroid local injections, scar laser therapy, silicone gel sheets, and compression therapy. Recently, immunotherapy such as interferon has also been attempted. However, each treatment method has clear advantages, disadvantages, and limitations, and factors such as the scar’s location, size, and surgical feasibility must be considered, so consulting a specialist is advisable.

To prevent keloid scars, it is important to minimize movement of the scar area. This is because keloid scars often occur in locations where joint movements cause significant tension. Since tension in the dermis layer of the skin and the resulting inflammatory response worsen keloid scars, minimizing tension is crucial. Avoid excessive movement of the scarred area, and using scar tape or compression dressings to reduce dermal tension can help prevent scars.

Professor Namgung Sik of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Korea University Guro Hospital advised, "If you or your family members have a family history of keloid scars or a genetic predisposition, it is best to avoid actions that may damage normal skin layers. Even if surgery is required for other bodily issues, consulting a specialist about keloid scars in advance can help prevent scar formation."

Professor Namgung Sik, Department of Plastic Surgery, Korea University Guro Hospital.
[Photo by Korea University Guro Hospital]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.