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Keloids - Overview

Alternative Names

Hypertrophic scar; Keloid scar; Scar - hypertrophic

Definition of Keloids:

Keloids are the excess growth of scar tissue at the site of a healed skin injury.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Keloids occur from such skin injuries as:

  • Acne
  • Burns
  • Chickenpox
  • Ear piercing
  • Minor scratches
  • Surgical cuts
  • Traumatic wounds
  • Vaccination sites

They are fairly common in young women and African Americans. Keloids often run in families. Keloidosis is a term used when many or repeated keloids occur.

  • Reviewed last on: 10/3/2008
  • Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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