Can keloids be caused by friction and excessive sweat?

Doctor's Answers 2

Keloids are raised scars that sometimes appear after surgery, injury or arise from pimples or ear piercings. These are common in Asians and are often found in areas such as the chest, back, arms or earlobes. Repeated friction to an area of injury may contribute to keloid formation as scars over areas of increased movements, such as the elbows or knees often heal forming a keloid scar. However, sweating is not known to be a contributory factor.

A combination treatment approach using VBEAM laser and steroid injections into the scar can lead to excellent improvement after 4-5 monthly sessions. Patients often see lightening and flattening of the keloid scars, as well as improvement in itch and pain. For keloids on earlobes, we normally combine CO2 laser with monthly steroid injections. The whole treatment is usually quick and fairly comfortable.

Keloid scars can be effectively treated to give a better cosmetic outcome and also to alleviate any symptoms that may be associated with the scar. Do see a trained doctor or Dermatologist for treatment.

Hi,

Keloids may be triggered by minor skin injury to the skin in predisposed individuals. Usual skin injuries causing keloids include ear piercing, truncal acne, BCG vaccination, infected skin wounds and skin surgery.

Unless the friction is severe and causes a deeper wound, keloids are unlikely to occur. Excessive sweating will not cause keloids as no skin injury is present.

Hope this helps!

Similar Questions

How are keloid infections usually treated?

Keloid infections are treated similarly to other infections. However, as keloids are composed of thick scar tissue with little blood supply, keloid infections may be slower and more difficult to clear compared to normal tissue infections. The key management principles are: Identify the most likely pathogen/bacteria causing the infection Eliminate the infection by cleansing the affected area with an antiseptic and/or a course of appropriate oral antibiotics Surgical drainage if medical treatment fails and significant pus forms.

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Answered By

Dr Chin Yee Choong

Aesthetic

What can result in worsening of existing keloids?

Hi, Additional injury, ongoing inflammation, and secondary bacterial infection are the three most common causes in clinical practice that result in worsening of existing keloids. Hope this helps!

Photo of Dr Chin Yee Choong

Answered By

Dr Chin Yee Choong

Aesthetic

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