Keloid scars are abnormal because they grow well beyond the normal boundaries of the original scar where a skin type injury took place. Usually, they begin where the skin was originally damaged and continue to grow until they are raised above the normal level of the skin, even extending beyond it. Most people can get keloid scars under the right circumstances, but usually olive and darker skinned people have a higher risk for reasons yet unknown. Light skinned people can still get these scars, but are less prone to do so. In fact, most of these scars occur on the back of the neck, earlobes, upper back and deltoid section of the upper part of the arms. What causes them still has yet to be determined.
Factors Contributing to Keloid Scar Formation
The most common contributing factors that lead to keloid scar formation are amongst the most obvious. It is seems that the tension of the skin and muscles can make it easier for these scars to form on the back and upper arms. Skin traumas are a great contributor, as are repeated type traumas on the same spot, the introduction of foreign type bodies within a wound and wound infections. Some experts have suggested that the scarring of keloids might be genetically connected through families. Some theories suggest that excessive MSH hormone amounts, the reduction in collagen maturity, the increase in collagen solubility, blocked small types of blood vessels, oxygen deprivation to the wound and deficiencies might have some part to play, but realistically no studies have yet shown conclusive correlations.
Are Keloid Scars Preventable?
Are keloid scars preventable? Is any scar preventable? The obvious answer to this has to be no because unless a person can avoid injuries of even the most minor type and surgery, the chances of preventing scarring at all is very unrealistic. It seems that little can be done to prevent them because little is known about how they form and why some people get them and others do not. However, most experts suggest that how a wound is cared for can make some difference. That is why a person with a healing wound has to ensure that their wound stays clean, though this should be done regardless. If a person is aware of a history of keloid scarring within their family then a person can take extra precautions, avoiding taking risks, driving carefully and not getting tattoos and piercings. A person could even have a chat with a doctor before agreeing to any surgery, but there are simply some things that a person cannot avoid.