Print this page
 Email this page

 Connect with UMMC on:
 Twitter
 Facebook
 YouTube

 Share this page:

Bookmark and Share

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

 

Video details

Hospital Virtual Tour

Click to take a virtual tour

Related Content


 

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.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com