Keloid scars are fairly common types of scarring that occur when scars continue to grow after a wound has healed. These scars are most commonly a result of otherwise typical types of scars like c-sections, severe acne, piercings, tattoos, or minor cuts that continue to heal over and produce tissue even after the wound has closed. They can take on many different shapes and sizes. For example, keloids found on the earlobe tend to be round and solid, whereas keloids on the chest will often spread out across the skin and appear more like a liquid that has solidified on the surface. Keloids are also not limited to large growths, they can be smaller growths that extend beyond the surface of the scar, making it appear rounded and bulbous.
The most commonly affected groups for this type of scarring include those of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent, have a family history of keloids, or are between the ages of 10 and 30. While this type of scarring can affect anyone, the people belonging to these demographics generally experience them the most.
Keloids are often removed through surgical means, which may seem like a permanent solution, except those who undergo scar removal surgery almost always experience regrowth of the scars without additional treatment. The surgery itself often submits the scars to the same type of trauma that causes them to grow in the first place, causing them to potentially grow back larger and more painful than the original scars that were removed.
Superficial Radiation Therapy (SRT) is a process where x-rays are delivered to the skin, only penetrating the surface and no further. SRT has been successfully used to stop the spread of some superficial cancers by killing the cells involved in overgrowth. As keloid scarring involves the continued growth of scars beyond ordinary rates, SRT made a natural transition to assisting in the prevention of recurring growth. This type of therapy ensures that deep tissue damage is avoided while minimizing scarring, especially around the face. It is considered to be one of the more effective secondary treatments for keloid scar removal, as it greatly increases the chances that keloids do not recur.
Radiation therapy is not for everyone, as sometimes keloid scarring can occur in places where radiation can be more hazardous to the patient. If your scars are in places that are near or around areas that are open, like the nose or mouth or the inner parts of your ear, radiation may cause more issues than it solves. Although this type of therapy is supposed to be superficial, it can only be superficial if there is skin to block it.
Although radiation therapy has been shown to be a good secondary treatment, there are additional options that may be more suitable for you if radiation proves to be a less optimal choice. Compression therapy has been shown to be effective in preventing keloids from returning, although this type of therapy can also be difficult to use in some of the more sensitive areas that radiation cannot touch.
Recent advances in body tape have produced a product that is safe for use on scars, and uses tension rather than compression to lift away and provide relief to itchiness or soreness. This type of tape, called scar tape, goes over the top of a scar to additionally provide a second skin for protection, and has been known to be helpful in the recovery of some patients. If you purchase scar tape from a reputable company, like myScarTape, you will receive a product that was expertly designed and engineered with the help from doctors and scientists to ensure the tape is safe and effective. When you apply scar tape, it will help loosen up the skin to help with inflammation and improve blood flow to the area where your scar is located. It is also made without the use of agents or chemicals, so it is safe for even the most sensitive skin. After one to two weeks of use, the visibility of your scar should reduce, and the tape will not leave any redness or itchiness on your skin.
Keloid scars are very difficult things to get a handle on and should have a plan in place for how to proceed with them. Talk with your doctor and your dermatologist to develop a plan to remove or reduce your keloids through a multi-stage plan, and see if the combination of surgery and radiation treatments are right for you. Your team of medical experts will have years of experience that should assist you in finding the right treatment plan that is designed for you.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/skin-cancer-non-melanoma-srt-superficial-radiation-therapy/
https://www.sensushealthcare.com/superficial-radiation-therapy-srt/
https://www.sensushealthcare.com/what-you-need-to-know-keloid-scar-removal/
Author’s Bio
Daniel Johnston is a content writer currently working for BreezeMaxWeb. He is a dedicated writer and loves everything about geology, having previously studied with the Gemological Institute of America in New York.
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