A keloid is scar tissue that develops over a healed skin wound then expands beyond the injured area. These flesh-colored scars can be thick, lumpy, rounded, or raised, and they tend to continue growing for weeks or even years. While they can be itchy and tender, keloids are usually harmless.

Injuries and skin conditions that can trigger keloid scarring include acne scars, burns, scratches/cuts, chickenpox, surgical incisions, vaccination sites, and ear piercings. The most common locations are the head and neck. Keloids are most prevalent on darker skin in Black, Latino, and Asian populations.

Treatment

The appearance of keloids can be bothersome, which prompts hundreds of thousands of clinic visits in the United States each year. Patients who seek medical attention for keloids typically want to have them reduced in size and appearance. While keloids are resistant to treatment and may regrow following therapy, surgical removal and nonsurgical management therapies are available. Patients can seek treatment even years after a keloid develops.

At the University of Miami Health System’s Keloid Clinic, we can recommend, prescribe, or provide the following treatments for keloid management.

• Moisturizing oils
• Silicone pads, gel, or sheeting
• Pressure garments
• Laser treatments
• Triamcinolone (corticosteroid) injections
• 5-FU (a form of chemotherapy) Surgical removal
• Cyrosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen)

A combination of therapies, including surgical excision followed by radiation, may be most effective.

Following an exam with your primary care physician or dermatologist, they can refer you UHealth’s Keloid Clinic for specialized care. Call 305-243-7500 for more information.

Why Choose UHealth?

World-class leaders in skin care treatment. The University of Miami Health System is recognized throughout South Florida and the world as a leader in caring for conditions and disorders of the skin. Backed by one of the nation’s top universities, our team uses the latest technologies and research-driven expertise to provide superior, personalized treatments for rashes.

Compassionate care in an academic medical center. . Regardless of your age, condition, or whether you need long-term, short-term, or regenerative skin treatments, you will benefit from the state-of-the-art technology and latest medical advancements developed by our researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. You will receive the most accurate diagnosis and a detailed plan to keep your skin healthy.