Can keloids be caused by friction and excessive sweat?

Doctor's Answer

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.

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