Keloids
Keloids or prominent scars on the ears can be unsightly and cause discomfort.
They usually happen because of an injury to the ear or more commonly due to having your ears pierced.
We are not completely sure why some people get these but what we do know is that those with darker skin have a higher risk of getting them.
You can also get keloid on other parts of the body such as the shoulder or chest.
Once you have a keloid, bumpy or raised scar then it is likely to keep growing.
If you have had keloids or prominent scarring before, and you are having surgery then inform your surgeon who can take measures to reduce the chance of getting a keloid again.
If you have just had your ears pierced:
You should carefully check the area regularly. If you notice any raised areas you should take out the piercing and consider arranging an appointment to understand how you can stop a keloid from developing.
Treatment options for Keloids
There are several options for treating them, but you will have an individual treatment plan made to help increase the chances of successfully treating the keloid.
Options for treatment include
- Pressure clips – these are usually worn regularly for a few months to help reduce the keloid size and the chances of it growing back
- Injection with steroid – steroid injections can help with reducing keloid size and in reducing the chances of it coming back. You are likely to need more than one injection. These are spread out over a few months. The injections can be placed in the clinic and are not particularly painful
- Surgical removal - If Mr Lakhani feels you would benefit from surgery, then you are likely to be able to have this under local anaesthesia (awake using numbing injections) like visiting the dentist
- Radiotherapy (low dose X-Ray therapy)
Treatment options are often combined to help increase their effectiveness.
It is important to understand that treatments may need to be repeated to make them more effective. Keloid scars can come back no matter which treatment is used. It is very important you are aware of this before you decide on trying a treatment.
Get in Touch
Julia Brighton