Advances in the treatment of keloids.

Occurring with higher proportions in skin of color, keloid formation is seen in individuals of all races, with the lowest incidence in albinos. Interestingly, prevalence of keloids is correlated to skin pigmentation, with dark-skinned individuals suffering disproportionately. Many factors are taken into consideration when deciding which modalities to use in the treatment of keloids, including size, anatomical site, cause, symptoms, duration of treatment and not least importantly, pigmentation of the patient. In patients with skin of darker color it is necessary to communicate the effects these treatments may have on epidermal pigmentation to the patient. Of course, the best treatment for keloids remains prevention. Physicians should be alert to delays in wound healing, persistent erythema, or pruritus as impending symptoms of possible keloid formation and make all reasonable attempts to reduce inflammation and tension on the skin with appropriate methods.