Keloids in Boston, MA

When a person is injured, scar tissue forms over the wound. In some cases, extra scar tissue develops, forming hard growths called keloids. Often found on the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and cheeks, they are typically much larger than the original wound. While they won't harm a person, they can be quite unsightly and may cause cosmetic concern to some. At Skin Center Boston, our skilled dermatologist, Dr. Vladyslava Doktor, can diagnose keloids and create a custom treatment plan in the event a Boston, Brookline, Sherbon, or surrounding area man or woman wants to remove their scar tissue overgrowth.

If you suffer from a keloid scar, it's possible you feel self-conscious or embarrassed by this excess scar tissue. Rest assured, though, there are various ways to treat and remove keloid scars at Skin Center Boston in Boston, MA. While harmless, these overgrowths can be itchy, lumpy, or get even darker in the sun. Men and women in Boston, Cambridge, Needham, and surrounding areas can have their keloids diagnosed and removed by skilled dermatologist Dr. Vladyslava Doktor.

About 10 percent of people develop keloid scarring. While both men and women are equally susceptible, those with darker skin tones are more likely to get keloids. They can be the result of any skin injury, but acne scars, burns, chickenpox, ear piercings, scratches, surgical incision sites, or even vaccination sites tend to cause keloids most often. It is typically seen that keloids have a genetic component so those with parents who've had keloids are more likely to get keloids themselves. Pregnancy and being younger than 30 are also common factors of keloids. For those wondering if they have keloids, call Skin Center Boston in Boston, MA, and schedule a consultation with dermatologist Dr. Vladyslava Doktor.

Keloids can take weeks or months to develop. While they tend to itch, keloids should not hurt. There may be some discomfort and tenderness, but they are relatively harmless. Depending on the location of a keloid, a person may feel irritation from the friction of their clothing rubbing against the keloid. The main symptoms include flesh-colored, pink, or red areas of the skin, a raised portion of skin that is either lumpy or ridged, and continuous growth beyond the original scar tissue. Sun exposure can deepen the color of a keloid, making it stand out more. Those with these symptoms should call Skin Center Boston today for a proper diagnosis.

There are various ways to treat keloids at Skin Center Boston. After reviewing the keloid during an initial consultation, dermatologist Dr. Vladyslava Doktor may have patients try some at-home methods to remove the keloid. A moisturizing oil could help reduce the size of the scar and eventually shrink the keloid over time. She may suggest an in-office treatment that may be more effective over time. This may include the use of silicone pads, pressure dressings, and even injections if the keloid is more recent. In some cases, laser treatment may be recommended. The use of high light beams can create a smooth and more toned appearance where the keloid once was. Sometimes, however, surgery is required. This is usually the case for keloids that are large or quite old. In these instances, cryotherapy will likely be used. This is the practice of freezing the keloid off with liquid nitrogen.