Scar Keloids Prevention Strategies

All women have scars, reminders that our skin is vulnerable and is exposed to potential injury throughout our lives. Most of the time, scars develop and diminish as part of the skin's natural healing process. But among Brown women, a more disfiguring type of scar is more common. Known simply as "keloids," keloidal scars result from the same types of injuries other scars do-cuts, burns, surgery-but they behave quite differently. Keloids tend to be large, hardened scars that extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound. ,They, in a sense, take on a life of their own and can grow uncontrollably for weeks, even months, without treatment. These scars are one of the most disfiguring skin problems that affect Browns more often than Whites. If you have ever had a keloidal scar, you know that it's more than a minor cosmetic problem. Keloids can grow quite large and may become painful and itchy. They can decrease the range of motion if they are located on or around a joint.

If a keloid develops in a visible area, such as on the earlobes or chest, as they often do, these scars can be particularly devastating. Because they can, in some cases, be unsightly and difficult to treat, keloids can be harmful to your self-image and have a negative impact on other aspects of your life as well. Despite these facts, there are options for women of color who are prone to developing keloids. Effective treatments are available and more are in development.

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