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Do you face self-esteem issues due to the development of keloids on your body? If you suffer from keloids, you know that they can be hard to hide. Keloids can cause serious self- confidence and body image issues for those who have them. Dr. Cheryl Burgess and the team at the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery in Washington, DC, offer scar and keloid removal procedures for patients in need.
Many people who do not suffer from keloids may have never heard of them or know what they are. A keloid develops from inflamed or broken skin. When the skin breaks for any reason (be it a cut, scrape, piercing, burn, etc.) that requires it to heal, collagen is produced. Keloids occur when collagen production goes a bit out of control, resulting in excess scar tissue that forms into a smooth, hard growth. These growths can grow many times larger than the size of the actual wound and most commonly surface on the back, chest, shoulders, cheeks and earlobes. Keloids are not limited to these parts of the body, however and can grow anywhere on the body. A keloid does not pose any health risk to the person affected but instead can create cosmetic concerns.
Not everybody that scars will have to deal with keloids. Both men and women can be susceptible to keloids, however, some are at a higher risk than others in developing keloids when they get a scar. If you fall under one of the following groups, then you are at a higher risk for keloid development.
Most who develop keloids do so after injuring their skin, such as inflammation or from a puncture or cut. Even small punctures such as getting your ear pierced or skin tattooed can cause a keloid. Surgery is particularly risky for those who develop keloids including women who must have c-sections or a hysterectomy. Here are some other potential actions that could cause keloids.
Keloids have certain characteristics that can be detected before they can fully form, including:
Keloids can be tough to treat. They can, when handled improperly, grow back and be more prominent than before. This makes it critically important to have a certified dermatologist that has experience in keloid treatment and removal handle your case. Dr. Cheryl Burgess and the team at the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery in Washington, DC, have had much success in treating patients who come in with keloids. Dr. Burgess utilizes a carefully orchestrated program of cortisone injections and pressure therapy combined with laser therapy to treat and remove keloids.
If you suffer from keloids and are ready to pursue removal therapy, please reach out to the team at the Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery in Washington, DC, to learn more about how they can help you. To schedule an appointment, please call (202) 955-5757.