Renaissance Dermatology
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Causes Of Keloid Scars

Any injury to the skin can cause a keloid to form.

  • Body piercing
  • Acne
  • Chickenpox
  • Burn
  • Cut or scrape
  • Insect or animal bite
  • Puncture wound
  • Tattoo
  • Wound due to surgery or medical procedure

Reduce the appearance of your scars

Consult our MOH-accredited dermatologist for a comprehensive evaluation of your skin condition, and for a personalised treatment plan.

Keloid Scar Treatments

There are several treatments for keloid scars. Sometimes a combination of these is needed for successful removal or reduction in appearance.

  • Corticosteroids

    Applying a corticosteroid cream can help with the itchiness. Steroid injections on the other hand can reduce keloid thickness and flatten it out.

  • Compression dressings

    Dressings made from stretchy material are worn over new keloids or wounds 12 to 24 hours a day for several months.

  • Cryotherapy

    Cryotherapy is the process of using liquid nitrogen to freeze the keloid scar to reduce its appearance or remove it.

  • Laser therapy

    Large keloids can be flattened and faded using several sessions of laser therapy. It can also help with reducing itchiness.

  • Surgery

    Surgical removal of a keloid can be done with or without radiation therapy however there is the risk of it growing back, sometimes even larger.

Keloid Scar Prevention

There is no effective way to completely prevent a keloid scar from forming especially if you have keloid-prone skin. However, protecting your skin from injury and good wound care can help.

  • Keep wounds clean and moist

    Gently wash wounds with soap and water. Use petroleum jelly to keep the wound moist throughout the day.

  • Apply silicone pads or pressure dressings

    Applying pressure dressings or silicone pads over a wound might be recommended to you by your doctor. Follow instructions on how to wear them.

  • Avoid injuring your skin

    Avoid any cuts or breaks in your skin such as getting tattoos or body piercings as well as elective skin surgeries.

  • Get acne treated

    Consult a dermatologist right away if you notice pimples forming or if you have chickenpox so that medications can be given that will reduce the chances of scar formation.

  • Avoid sun damage

    Protect your wound and your skin in general from sun damage by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, covering up, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure.

  • Inform your doctor before surgery

    If you will be undergoing any surgery, tell your doctor that your skin has a tendency to form keloids so that your surgeon can use techniques that will lessen this risk.

Dr Noor Hanif Said

Medical Director & Consultant Dermatologist
  • MBBS (Singapore)
  • MRCP (United Kingdom)
  • FAMS (Dermatology)

Over 20 years of experience
in medical, Surgical & aesthetic Dermatology

  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS, Singapore)
  • Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP, United Kingdom)
  • Fellow Of The Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS, Dermatology)

Prior to starting his private practice at Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Dr Hanif was a dermatologist at the National Skin Centre and a Visiting Consultant with the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital Dermatology Service.

Apart from his expertise in the management of general dermatological problems such as eczema, psoriasis, hair loss and acne, he has special interests in pigmentary disorders as well as dermatological and laser surgery.

your journey to optimal skin health

Make An Enquiry

    your journey to optimal skin health

    Make An Enquiry

    Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre 38 Irrawaddy Road, #10-36
    Singapore 329563
    +65 6570 2886 (Fax)
    +65 9297 0039 (WhatsApp)
    Mon to Fri: 9am - 1pm
    2pm - 6pm
    Saturday: 9am - 1pm
    Sun & PH: Closed

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do keloids go away on their own?

    Compared to other types of scars, keloids do not disappear over time thus treatment is necessary to reduce their appearance or remove them.

    Can keloids become cancerous?

    No. Keloids are benign (non-cancerous) skin tissue and do not develop into cancer.