Inquiry About Keloid Scar Treatment for a 30-Year-Old Male
I have developed what I believe to be a keloid scar on my elbow, measuring approximately an inch in length. This scar originated from a significant cut I received during a fall while jogging. Instead of seeking medical attention, I allowed it to heal naturally, which resulted in an unsightly, wide scar. Now, a year later, I am experiencing a few bothersome symptoms—occasional itchiness and sharp pain if the area is bumped, even slightly. I’m curious if there’s a possibility of having the scar surgically removed and the area stitched for a neater appearance, considering how elastic the skin on the elbow can be. I would appreciate any suggestions or insights regarding this matter. Thank you!
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 9:30:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you have concerns about a keloid scar on your elbow, along with discomfort and cosmetic appearance. Here’s a structured response addressing your situation:
Main Points:
- Keloid scars can cause symptoms like itchiness and pain.
- Surgical removal might be an option, but it could lead to recurrence.
- There are non-surgical treatments to consider.
Explanation:
Keloids are excess scar tissue that forms over a wound. They can be raised, itchy, and sometimes painful, especially when they are located on areas that experience movement, like the elbow. While surgical removal of a keloid is possible, it’s important to know that this procedure can sometimes lead to the keloid returning.
Next Steps:
-
Evaluate Symptoms:
- Monitor your symptoms for any worsening, especially if the pain increases or changes in nature. Track how often you experience itchiness or pain.
-
Manage Discomfort at Home:
- Apply a silicone gel sheet to the scar daily. These can help flatten keloids over time and relieve itchiness.
- Use over-the-counter antihistamines if itchiness is bothersome to help reduce discomfort.
-
Explore Non-Surgical Options:
- Consider consulting about treatment options like corticosteroid injections or silicone gel treatments, which might effectively reduce the size of the keloid without surgery.
-
Plan for Professional Consultation:
- If the keloid continues to bother you or you desire cosmetic changes, make an appointment with a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon who specializes in scar treatments to discuss surgical options and potential outcomes.
-
Document Your Scar:
- Take photos of your keloid over time to compare its changes. This could help in discussions with healthcare providers about the best treatment approaches.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further details on any of these steps!
Related Questions
Assistance for Delayed Wound Healing
I’m a 29-year-old female weighing 222 pounds, a non-smoker currently on medications such as Plaquenil, Imuran, and Citalopram. My medical history includes a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome, along with anxiety and depression. For the past six months, I’ve been taking azathioprine to manage my Sjögren's symptoms. Recently, I experienced a severe breakout attributed to my menstrual cycle. Regrettably, I found myself picking at some of the blemishes, which has resulted in scabs and persistent acne on my upper back, chest, and face. It’s been three weeks since this occurred, and despite my efforts to avoid further picking, the spots show no signs of healing. The acne takes an unusually long time to resolve even when left untouched. I do my best to keep my skin moisturized and treat it gently, but I am eager to find ways to enhance the healing process. I’m feeling quite overwhelmed. I contacted my rheumatologist regarding this issue, and she advised me to consult a dermatologist if my condition doesn't improve. Unfortunately, accessing a dermatologist is a challenge for me due to insurance coverage limitations.
Ongoing Testicular Discomfort for Ten Months
I’d rather not disclose too much for my husband's sake. He is 58 years old, remains free from prescription medications, and does not use drugs or alcohol, with his blood pressure being within a normal range. For over ten months now, my husband has been experiencing persistent testicular discomfort. The pain intensifies when he lies down, significantly affecting his sleep. He describes the sensation as if his body has altered shape, resulting in a feeling of compression. After consulting his family doctor, he was referred to the emergency department where they ruled out testicular torsion. They concluded that the pain was of an unidentified origin and did not recommend any further follow-up or specialist consultations. It seems there was an assumption that the issue would resolve on its own, yet it has not improved. I’m curious about potential explanations for his condition or whether it would be advisable for him to revisit his family doctor to reassess the situation. He’s hesitant to do so and is also unwilling to take Tylenol regularly.
Is Acne Linked to Swollen Lymph Nodes?
(M16) Recently, I discovered a tiny lymph node located in my submandibular area. It is quite small, probably only a few millimeters in size, and it becomes painful when I touch it. Lately, I've been experiencing severe acne, which I suspect may have led to an infection. Additionally, I've had some significant breakouts.
Concerns About a Mole: Is It Serious?
For the past four months, I've had something on my upper left abdomen that concerns me. The texture is rather rough, almost like it could be peeled off like a scab. About two weeks ago, I felt compelled to pick at it, which led to some bleeding and noticeable discoloration at the edge. I haven't observed any changes in size, yet I find it alarming that it hasn’t healed. What could be the issue? I often suffer from sunburns, adding to my worries about this spot. A bit about me: I'm a 21-year-old male weighing 103 kilograms. I don't consume alcohol or smoke. I take a supplement of 25,000 IU of Vitamin D3 once a month and have had deficiencies in both Vitamin D and B12 in the past. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Experiencing Intense Temperature Fluctuations?
At 22 years old, I've become increasingly aware of how my body reacts to temperature changes. Whenever I engage in physical activity or simply move about, I find myself heating up quickly and often need to shed layers like my sweater or jacket, while those around me remain comfortably dressed in their outerwear. Interestingly, my hands still feel chilly, even as my body starts to sweat. Conversely, when I am at rest or stationary, I experience a significant drop in temperature, almost to the point where I feel the need to bundle up more than what I would typically wear outside. It's puzzling for me to feel so cold when others seem unaffected by the same conditions. During my teenage years, I was suspected to have had hypothyroidism, potentially linked to dietary changes and a lack of iodized salt for over a year. At that time, I experienced similar coldness but was also plagued with extreme fatigue. After receiving treatment, my subsequent blood tests suggested improvement. Currently, I am taking Yaz, a combination birth control pill, and I have noticed that in warm weather, my fingers tend to swell and my palms get distinctly red. However, aside from these peculiar changes, I have not encountered any additional concerning symptoms.