Question: Is there anything that can be done to prevent or lessen keloids from forming? Is removing the thyroid a possible option?
Keloids are produced by an overactive response to trauma resulting in fibrotic tumors that are notorious for their recurrence if they are removed without accompanying therapy, such as cortisone injections.
Keloids are not just overactive scars. Keloids form within scar tissue, overgrowing the wound area and creating various degrees of disfigurement. Keloids occur more frequently in women and are 15 times more prevalent in dark-skinned people. Keloids may occur at a site of trauma, infection, or even with simple acne.
Keloid formation may be minimized or reduced by cortisone treatment. There is no sure way to prevent them except by avoiding soft tissue injury, which is usually unintentional anyway.
Thyroid removal has no effect on keloid formation. Some reports indicate that silicone strips placed over healed wounds may reduce abnormal scarring and retard scar and keloid formation.
Known keloid patients should be under special care for traumatic injuries because intralesional and occasionally laser therapy, cryotherapy (cold therapy), and other more involved treatments may be indicated to prevent or treat keloid formation, especially in a cosmetically sensitive area or over a joint.
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