Why You Should Visit Your Dermatologist For Keloid Treatment

Keloids are excessive scar tissue that develops in response to skin damage. Large keloids can become a nuisance since they stick out of the skin, itch, and sometimes even cause you to feel self-conscious. Although there are risks to treating keloids, treating them when they are first noticed is sometimes the best approach. Here is what to know about keloids and how Dr. Shauna Diggs can help treat them.

What Are Keloids?

When the skin repairs itself after an injury, scarring is an inevitable byproduct. Unlike scar tissue, keloids can become much larger than the original injury. After a keloid begins, it might take months or even years to develop fully, eventually masking the scar left by the lesion. When a keloid arises close to a joint or over a vast body area, it can restrict movement and cause pain.

Why You Should Visit a Dermatologist for Keloid Treatment

If you have a keloid scar, the best thing you can do is visit a dermatologist. Here are some reasons why.

They Can Properly Diagnose Keloids

During a skin inspection, a dermatologist can tell if you have keloids by the size and appearance of the scar. Collagen, the stiff, fibrous protein that makes up keloids, may be seen with the naked eye. It’s important to know if you have keloids or have a history of keloids since this can impact things like your candidacy for certain surgeries or treatments in the future.

They Can Perform a Biopsy

When a dermatologist examines a patient, they can typically identify a keloid. However, a keloid is just one of the many skin conditions that might seem similar. Specific allergic skin reactions, such as a response to the gold in a pair of earrings, can cause a swelling that mimics a keloid. Your dermatologist can perform a skin biopsy to determine if it’s a keloid or something else. This can be done in-office and is very quick. Your dermatologist will simply numb the region and remove a small piece of skin for microscopic analysis during a skin biopsy.

They Can Prescribe Treatment

Keloids require specialized treatment, so it’s best to seek out a board-certified dermatologist. Dermatologists often recommend over-the-counter topical products containing silicone for mild to moderate keloids. These gels encourage the body to reduce collagen and rebuild blood vessels, which reduces the keloid’s redness and swelling.

Injecting corticosteroids directly into a keloid may help lessen its size. With corticosteroids, scar tissue development under the skin is slowed. Also, a corticosteroid injection might alleviate the itching, swelling, discomfort, and redness you’re experiencing. Your dermatologist might also suggest laser treatments to improve skin tone and lessen keloid discoloration.

Schedule a Consultation

At Cosmedic Derm, Dr. Diggs and our team can help you explore the best options for keloid treatment. To schedule an appointment, contact our Grosse Pointe, MI office today by calling or filling out our online form.