Managing the Discomfort of Expanding Keloids
My mother, aged 51 and originally from Africa, has been facing difficulties with keloids that have emerged on her chest after an incident involving cooking oil. What initially presented as a couple of small scars has now transformed into sizable growths. These bumps cause her significant discomfort, impacting her ability to get restful sleep. Despite undergoing injection treatments, they have proven ineffective, and she feels that the problem is worsening. Currently, she is relying on opioid pain relief; however, her healthcare providers admit they lack the expertise to address her condition adequately, attributing this to her skin type. If anyone has suggestions for alleviating her pain or general advice on managing these keloids, it would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 7:50:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your mother is going through a challenging time with her keloids, especially given the discomfort and impact on her quality of life. Keloids, which are raised scars that can develop after skin injury, can be particularly bothersome and may require a comprehensive approach to management. Here are some key points and actionable steps to help her cope:
Main Points:
- Keloids can cause discomfort and pain, but there are ways to manage symptoms effectively.
- Treatment options can be limited, but there are supportive measures that may help alleviate discomfort.
- A multi-faceted approach is often beneficial, involving both topical and non-invasive methods.
Explanation:
Keloids are overgrown scar tissue that can occur following skin injuries, and the discomfort can stem from their size, sensitivity, or tension on surrounding skin. Since your mother has already tried injection treatments without success, there may still be several strategies to explore that can provide relief.
Next Steps:
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Topical Treatments: Consider using silicone gel sheets or gels regularly, which can help flatten keloids over time and may help with discomfort. These are often available over-the-counter and might provide relief when applied consistently.
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Moisturizing: Keeping the keloid area well-moisturized can reduce discomfort. Look for fragrance-free creams or ointments to avoid irritation.
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Pain Management: Since opioid use can lead to dependency and may not always be the best long-term solution, discuss alternative over-the-counter pain relief options with your mother’s healthcare provider, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, keeping in mind any contraindications she may have.
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Compression Garments: Depending on the affected area, wearing a comfortable, supportive garment may help reduce discomfort by applying gentle pressure to the keloids.
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Consider Non-Invasive Therapies: Some patients find relief from therapies such as laser treatments or cryotherapy. If her current healthcare providers are unable to assist, seeking out a dermatologist who specializes in skin conditions or a cosmetic surgeon with experience in keloid treatment could provide new avenues for care.
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Lifestyle Modifications: Encourage her to adopt healthy habits that support skin health, such as a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and E, and ensure hydration, as these can aid in overall skin recovery.
Encourage her to keep a symptom journal to monitor what treatments work best for her, and how her discomfort changes over time. If she experiences sudden changes, increased pain, or any concerning symptoms, it may warrant seeking specialist help again.
Let me know if you need further details on any of these options or additional resources!
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