How do you deal with your keloid scar?!?

this is how it all started...about 5 years ago, a hair randomly appeared below my neck on my chest. i decided to pluck the hair out,,guess it was a bad idea because i now have a keloid scar.. at least i think it is because some doctors have told me its a keloid and others have said its a cyst because sometimes it gets infected and fills up with puss. Anyway, does anyone have a similar condition? and if so ..how do you deal with the comments people give you? people ask about it all the time and its rly annoying because sometimes you can see it on their face that they're digusted by it! and lucky me it turned out to be in a very visible place right on my chest i try to wear turtle next but in summer it becomes very hot! i guess im looking for support..and remedies if anyone has some.

How do you deal with your keloid scar?!?
Maybe you should see a plastic surgeon -- especially if it is that annoying that you wear clothes to hide it. A surgeon should be able to help.
Reply:If the keloid really bothers you there are (3) treatment options for you.


1 - surgical removal


2 - non-surgical interventions


3 - Combo treatments





Surgical treatment of keloid scars


This is the most effective and the least complex of the available forms of treatment, the recurrence rate however is thought to be about 50%.


Lasers have been tried as an alternative to knife surgery but so far the outcomes are no better.





Non surgical treatments for keloid scars


Interferon therapy (drugs acting on the immune system), has been reported as effective in reducing keloid scarring however it does have significant side effects. Examples are toxicity, flu like symptoms, depression, nausea and vomiting.


Prolonged compression of scar tissue can theoretically soften and break up keloid scars, however the practicality of this option depends on the location of the keloid. Other non-surgical interventions that are currently being tried with varying results include antihistamines, vitamins, nitrogen mustard, Verapamil, retinoic acids.





Combined treatments for keloid scarring


One option involves surgical removal of scar tissue in combination with a couple of steroid injections -one at the time of the surgery and the second injection about 3 to 4 weeks later. However, this type of treatment is variously reported as having between a 50% to 70% rate of recurrence.





Another option combines surgery with external type radiotherapy. Radiation has the effect of interfering with skin growth (fibroblasts) and collagen production. Research varies on which type of combination therapy is the more effective. Both radiotherapy and steroid drugs have side effects so you need to discuss with your doctor the most effective. It may be worth getting a second opinion before proceeding with either treatment.





No matter what option you choose, consult with your doctor, and try to understand what they CAN do for you. Best of Luck to you!