WHY DO KELOIDS FORM?
A keloid forms as healing injured skin produces excess connective tissue extending beyond the originally damaged area. Keloids do not flatten or regress like hypertrophic scars, and may grow to unsightly, disfiguring proportions. Time of onset is variable and may be weeks to months after infection or trauma. Keloids occur spontaneously. Although their cause is unknown, keloids tend to form mainly in parts of the body where melanocyte concentration is highest, thus sparing the palms and soles. WHAT ARE THE BEST METHODS OF TREATMENT? CAN I EXPECT IT TO RECUR AND WHY? Excision followed by radiation therapy has been the most effective treatment. Surgical excision alone has resulted in documented recurrence rates of 50 to 80%. Postexcisional radiation therapy for keloids has been shown to reduce the recurrence rate to 20%. It is suggested that irradiation be initiated within 24 hours of the excision. THE PROCEDURE : Excision is performed under local anesthesia. The procedure is performed on
