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K
Keloid:
A keloid is a type of scar which results in an overgrowth of tissue at the site of a healed skin injury. Keloids are firm, rubbery lesions or shiny, fibrous nodules, and can vary from pink to flesh-colored or red to dark brown in color. A keloid scar is benign, non-contagious, and usually accompanied by severe itchiness, sharp pains, and changes in texture. In severe cases, it can affect movement of skin.
Keloids should not be confused with hypertrophic scars, which are raised scars that do not grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound and may reduce over time. Keloids form within scar tissue. Collagen, used in wound repair, tends to overgrow in this area, sometimes producing a lump many times larger than that of the original scar. Although they usually occur at the site of an injury, keloids can also arise spontaneously.
Keloids affect both sexes equally, although the incidence in young female patients has been reported to be higher than in young males, probably reflecting the greater frequency of earlobe piercing among women. There is a fifteen times higher frequency of occurrence in highly pigmented people.
No treatment for keloids is considered to be 100% effective. Some of the treatments that are currently available are described below. These treatments have varying degrees of effectiveness. All the invasive methods of treatment like surgery carry a serious risk of the keloid recurring and becoming bigger than it previously was.
Dressings - Moistened wound coverings made of silicone gel have been shown in studies to reduce keloid prominence over time. This treatment is safe and painless, although some patients may experience increased itchiness from wearing the dressing for an extended period of time.
Steroid injections - Steroid injections are best used as the scar begins to thicken or if the person is a known keloid former. A series of injections with steroids may reduce keloid size and irritation.
Laser therapy - This is an alternative to conventional surgery for keloid removal. The pulsed-dye laser can be effective at flattening keloids and making them look less red. Treatment is safe and not very painful, but several treatment sessions may be needed.
The best way to deal with a keloid is not to get one. A person who has had a keloid should not undergo elective skin surgeries or procedures such as piercing. When it comes to keloids, prevention is crucial, because current treatments are often not completely successful and may not work at all.
Submitted by: Casey A. Nichols, MSN, ARNP-BC
Keratin:
A highly fibrous protein that is the primary material in the cells of the skin, hair and nails.
Keratosis Pilaris:
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that causes rough patches and small, acne-like bumps, resembling Ògoose bumps.Ó It is usually on the arms and thighs, although may appear anywhere on the body other than palms and soles. Keratosis pilaris is often referred to as Òchicken skin.Ó Though you may not like the sandpaper-like appearance of your skin, keratosis pilaris is not serious and does not have long-term health implications.
Keratosis pilaris results from the buildup of keratin Ñ a hard protein that protects your skin from harmful substances and infection. The keratin forms a scaly plug that blocks the opening of the hair follicle. Usually many plugs form, causing patches of rough, bumpy skin.
KP tends to be worse during the winter months or other times of low humidity when the skin dries out. It may also occur and/or worsen among pregnant women or show up after childbirth
Overall, KP is self-limited and, again, tends to improve with age in many patients. Some patients have lifelong KP with periods of remissions and exacerbations. More widespread atypical cases may be cosmetically disfiguring and psychologically distressing.
There is no laboratory test or skin test to diagnose keratosis pilaris. Instead, it's typically diagnosed based on an examination of your skin and a review of your medical history. Your doctor will ask questions about your signs and symptoms.
There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, since KP is a chronic, genetic follicular disease, however treatments are available. Results from treatments vary and can often be disappointing. With persistence, most people will see satisfactory improvement. It is recommended that treatment not be discontinued because the buildup of keratin will continue to reform around the hair follicles.
Treatment includes general measures to prevent excessive skin dryness and use of mild cleansers.
Some available therapeutic options include emollients, lactic acid, tretinoin cream, tazarotene, alpha-hydroxy acid lotions and peels, urea cream, salicylic acid, topical steroids, and topical immunomodulators.
Submitted by: Casey A. Nichols, MSN, ARNP-BC