A cheloid scar is a type of abnormal and excessive scar tissue that forms during the process of wound healing. It is characterized by an overgrowth of fibrous tissue beyond the original boundaries of the wound. Cheloid scars usually develop after skin injuries or surgeries, but can also arise spontaneously.
These scars tend to be raised, firm, and shiny, often extending beyond the boundaries of the actual wound or injury site. They commonly have a smooth surface, appear pink or purple initially, and may become darker with time. Cheloid scars are typically painless, but in some cases, they can be accompanied by itching, tenderness, or hyperpigmentation.
Cheloid scars can occur on any part of the body, though they are more prevalent on areas with limited mobility such as the shoulders, chest, upper back, and earlobes. They are more common in individuals with darker skin tones and have a genetic predisposition, suggesting a hereditary component to their development.
While the exact causes of cheloid scars remain unclear, they are thought to result from an abnormal response to collagen production during the wound healing process. Certain risk factors such as age, gender, skin tension, and injury type can increase the likelihood of developing cheloid scars.
Treatment options for cheloid scars include topical creams, silicone sheets, cryotherapy, intralesional steroid injections, laser therapy, and surgical excision. However, achieving complete resolution of cheloid scars can be challenging, and recurrence is possible even after successful interventions.
