Keloids — flattened by dermatologists, not left to grow
Raised scars that grow beyond the original wound, disproportionately affecting Indian skin. Evidence-based multimodal treatment at DermaVue's 7 clinics across Kerala & Tamil Nadu.
7 clinics · Kerala & Tamil Nadu · ₹300 consultation
Understanding Keloids
A keloid is a raised, thickened scar that grows beyond the boundaries of the original wound. Unlike normal scars that flatten over time, keloids keep expanding — sometimes months or years after the injury. They form when the body's wound-healing process goes into overdrive, producing excess collagen. Common triggers include ear piercing, surgery, burns, acne, and even minor scratches. Keloids are significantly more common in Indian skin types (Fitzpatrick IV–VI) and can cause itching, pain, and cosmetic distress. The good news: keloids are treatable. DermaVue dermatologists use a multimodal approach — combining intralesional injections, silicone therapy, laser, and cryotherapy — tailored to your keloid's size, location, and age.
Keloids (ICD-10: L91.0) are fibroproliferative disorders of the dermis characterised by exuberant extracellular matrix deposition — primarily type I and III collagen — extending beyond the confines of the original wound margin. Pathogenesis involves dysregulated fibroblast proliferation, elevated TGF-β1/TGF-β2 signalling, reduced apoptosis of keloid fibroblasts, and aberrant mechanotransduction via integrin-mediated pathways. Histologically, keloids demonstrate thick, hyalinised collagen bundles arranged in a haphazard pattern with a tongue-like advancing edge, distinguishing them from hypertrophic scars where collagen remains parallel to the epidermis.[1] Indian Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin phenotypes carry 5–15× elevated risk compared to lighter phototypes, with familial clustering suggesting autosomal dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance and variable expression.
What does Keloids look like?
Symptoms range widely in severity. Identifying which type you have determines the right treatment.
Growth Beyond Wound
Raised Firm Nodule
Itching (Pruritus)
Pain & Tenderness
Colour Change
Progressive Enlargement
Restricted Movement
Fitzpatrick IV–VI Predisposition
What actually causes Keloids?
Multiple factors act together — understanding them helps prevent recurrence after treatment.
Genetic Predisposition
Ear Piercing
Surgical Scars
Burns & Trauma
Acne & Folliculitis
Indian Skin (Fitzpatrick IV–VI)
- 4.7% estimated prevalence in the Indian subcontinent — among the highest globally
- Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin types are 5–15× more likely to develop keloids than lighter skin types
- Peak incidence 10–30 years — coinciding with puberty, when hormonal changes accelerate fibroblast activity
- Women are more frequently affected due to ear piercing, a primary trigger in Indian populations
- Family history present in 50–70% of keloid patients — first-degree relatives at significantly elevated risk
What happens at your DermaVue consultation?
A structured clinical assessment — not a quick glance and a prescription pad. Here's exactly what to expect.
Clinical Examination & History
Keloid vs Hypertrophic Scar Differentiation
Dermoscopy & Imaging
Vancouver Scar Scale Assessment
Personalised Multimodal Treatment Plan
Keloids treatments we offer
All procedures by board-certified MD DVL dermatologists. US-FDA approved equipment. No technician-only protocols — ever.
Intralesional Corticosteroid Injection
Silicone Gel Sheeting & Pressure
Fractional CO2 Laser
Cryotherapy
Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)
Surgical Excision + Adjuvant Therapy
Your Keloids treatment timeline
Results are gradual, progressive, and lasting with the right protocol.
Watch: Keloids treatment at DermaVue
Our dermatologists explain diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect.
Microneedling Treatment for Scar Management
Frequently asked questions about Keloids
No, keloids are not contagious. They cannot spread from person to person through touch or any form of contact. Keloids are an abnormal wound-healing response driven by your own genetics and fibroblast biology — they are not caused by infection or any transmissible agent.
The key difference is growth beyond the wound: keloids extend beyond the original wound margins and do not spontaneously regress. Hypertrophic scars stay within wound boundaries and often flatten on their own within 1–2 years. Keloids also have a higher recurrence rate after treatment and are more common in darker skin types. Accurate differentiation is critical because treatment protocols differ.
Keloids can be significantly flattened and reduced through multimodal treatment — intralesional corticosteroids, laser, silicone, and cryotherapy. Surgical excision alone has a >50% recurrence rate, but combining excision with adjuvant therapy (injections + silicone + possible radiation) reduces recurrence to 10–20%. Complete permanent "removal" with zero recurrence risk is difficult to guarantee, which is why DermaVue uses combination protocols monitored over 6–12 months.
If you have a personal or family history of keloids, preventive measures include: applying silicone gel sheets immediately after wound closure for 3–6 months, avoiding unnecessary piercings or elective procedures in high-risk areas (chest, shoulders, ears), prophylactic intralesional corticosteroid injection at the time of suture removal, and pressure therapy for ear keloids. Consult your DermaVue dermatologist before any planned surgery if you are keloid-prone.
DermaVue consultation fee is ₹300 at most branches. Intralesional corticosteroid injection sessions range ₹1,000–3,000 depending on keloid size and number. Laser sessions and cryotherapy are priced based on treatment area. Most keloids require 3–8 sessions over several months. Full treatment costs are discussed transparently at your first consultation — no hidden charges or pressure to buy packages.
Indian skin (Fitzpatrick types IV–VI) has a genetic predisposition to keloid formation — estimated at 5–15× higher than Caucasian skin. This is linked to differences in fibroblast biology, TGF-β signalling, melanocyte-fibroblast interactions, and mechanotransduction pathways. The Indian subcontinent has one of the highest keloid prevalences globally at approximately 4.7%. Family history is present in over half of all cases, suggesting autosomal dominant inheritance.
Stop managing Keloids.
Start clearing it.
Board-certified MD DVL dermatologists across 7 clinics in Kerala & Tamil Nadu. WhatsApp for instant appointment. Consultation ₹300.
₹300 consultation · No hidden charges · 7 locations