Keloids are thick, firm, hard growths due to excessive scar tissue formation. They differ from ordinary scars and hypertrophic scars in that the scar tissue extends and spreads beyond the original wound margin. Rarely, these growths can occur spontaneously, even without any preceding skin injury. Keloids are more common in darker skin tones including Latinos, Asians, and Blacks. They frequently form on the earlobes, shoulders, or chest. Though not dangerous, keloids can be painful, and itchy, and cause cosmetic disfigurement. Various treatment options are available such as pressure dressings, silicone gel sheets, corticosteroid injections, cryotherapy (freezing), radiation, and surgical excision.
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