Keloid scar

What it is

Keloid scars are tumour like lesions that arise from the connective tissue of a scar and extend beyond the dimensions of the original wound.

Causes and risk

The predisposing factors are:

• Ethnicity: keloids are more common in people with dark skin
• Age: they occur more commonly in young adults and are rare in the elderly

The common sites, in order of decreasing frequency, are sternum, shoulder, neck, face, extensor surface of limbs and trunk. Keloid scars are less likely if incisions are made along relaxed skin tension lines.