queloide

A queloide, commonly known as a keloid in English, is a benign overgrowth of scar tissue that forms after skin injury. Unlike typical scars, which tend to fade and flatten over time, queloids extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound. They are composed mainly of excess collagen, fibroblasts, and a dense extracellular matrix. Queloids can appear as raised, firm, reddish or purple nodules and sometimes become itchy or painful.

The exact cause of queloid formation is not fully understood, but genetic predisposition plays a significant role. Individuals of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent have a higher incidence. Other risk factors include skin infections, acne, surgical procedures, ear piercing, and any condition that causes localized inflammation. The local wound environment, particularly the presence of cytokines such as transforming growth factor‑beta and an abnormal fibroblast response, contributes to the excessive collagen deposition.

Queloids are not cancerous, but they can cause cosmetic concerns and functional impairment if they involve joints or facial areas. Management strategies vary depending on size and location. First‑line treatments include intralesional corticosteroid injections, pressure therapy, silicone gels, and cryotherapy. More extensive lesions may benefit from surgical excision combined with adjunctive therapies such as radiation or laser ablation to reduce recurrence. Emerging treatments involve interferon therapy, retinoids, and emerging biologics that target the fibroblast activity. Because queloids have a high recurrence rate after excision, a multimodal approach is often preferred.