Treating and Preventing Painful Keloid Scars on the Buttocks

Understanding Keloid on Buttocks

Keloids are abnormal scars that grow beyond the original site of injury. They are firm, rubbery lesions or shiny, fibrous nodules that can vary from pink to flesh-colored or red to dark brown in color. Keloids occur when the body overproduces collagen while healing from a cut, burn, acne, piercing, or other skin injury. They can develop anywhere on the body but are most common on the chest, shoulders, upper back, and ears. Keloids on the buttocks, while less common, can cause discomfort when sitting.

What Causes Keloids on the Buttocks?

Keloids can form anywhere there is a skin injury, but certain areas like the chest, back, and buttocks are more prone due to tension on the skin. When the buttocks skin is damaged, the tension caused by sitting and movements of the gluteal muscles makes keloids more likely to develop. Trauma from shaving, friction from tight clothing, severe acne on the buttocks, surgery, piercings, scratches, and insect bites can trigger keloid formation.

Genetics also play a role. Keloids run in families, so having a blood relative with keloids increases your risk. Darker skinned individuals are more predisposed as well. Hormones are another factor, as keloids are more common during puberty and pregnancy when hormones are elevated.

Symptoms of Keloid on Buttocks

Signs and symptoms of keloids on the buttocks include:

• A firm, rubbery lesion or nodule
• Shiny, hairless, and smooth surface
• Flesh-colored, pink, red, or dark brown
• Raised above the surrounding skin
• May be itchy, painful, or tender
• Continues to grow over time
• Causes discomfort when sitting

Keloids can range in size from very small to quite large. They often have crab-like projections emerging from the edges. Over time, they can expand beyond the original injury site and invade healthy tissue. Keloids do not regress over time like normal scars.

Diagnosing Keloids on the Buttocks

To diagnose a keloid on your buttocks, a dermatologist will examine the lesion and ask about your medical history. They will look for typical keloid features like firmness, growth over time, and a shiny surface. The doctor will also ask when you first noticed the lesion and if youve had keloids before. A biopsy is rarely needed for diagnosis, but may be done to rule out skin cancer.

Keloids must be differentiated from hypertrophic scars, which are also raised and red but do not grow beyond the original wound margins. Hypertrophic scars are more common on the buttocks after injuries like severe acne, surgery, or trauma. Unlike keloids, hypertrophic scars do gradually regress over 1-2 years.

Treating Keloid on Buttocks

Getting rid of keloids completely is challenging. Treatment focuses on flattening keloids and preventing recurrence. Multiple modalities are often used together for best results:

Steroid Injections

Injecting the keloid with a steroid like triamcinolone helps reduce inflammation and flatten the scar. Most patients receive monthly injections until the lesion is flat. Injections are effective in shrinking keloids on the buttocks, but recurrence after stopping injections is common.

Cryotherapy

Freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen causes localized injury that interrupts the scars collagen production. This helps flatten the lesion. Cryotherapy sessions are typically repeated every 3-4 weeks. Mild pain, blistering, and slow healing can occur with cryotherapy.

Silicone Gel Sheets

Silicone sheets applied over keloids help hydrate and compress the tissue to flatten and soften the scar. Using silicone gel sheets daily under compression for at least 12 hours per day can reduce keloid size and symptoms. Consistency is key for optimal results.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation is used to damage the fibroblasts that produce excess collagen in keloids. A course of low-dose radiation over several sessions can flatten keloid scars and prevent their recurrence. Temporary skin redness and irritation can occur.

Laser Treatment

Laser removal directs precise beams of light to destroy the scar tissue and remodel collagen. Used alone or with steroid injections, lasers can help flatten and shrink keloids. Multiple treatments are needed to see results, but laser therapy is less invasive than surgery.

Surgical Excision

Surgically removing the keloid is often followed by other treatments like radiation or steroid injections to prevent recurrence. Excision alone has a high rate of scar regrowth. With adjuvant therapy, long-term recurrence rates can be reduced to 10-50%.

Compression

Compression bandages or garments worn over keloids help flatten lesions and prevent recurrence after other treatments. Using compression consistently for 6-12 months provides optimal results. Custom pressure garments may work best for keloids on the buttocks.

Combination Therapy

Using a combination of therapies often provides the best outcome. Excision followed by radiation, then steroid injections and silicone gel sheeting offers a multi-pronged approach to flatten keloids and prevent regrowth. Working closely with a dermatologist allows tailoring therapy for optimal scar reduction.

Preventing Keloids on Buttocks

Preventing new keloids from forming involves protecting skin from injury, prompt wound care, and avoiding re-injury. Tips include:

• Avoid unnecessary skin injuries like piercings, tattoos, and cuts
• Treat any skin injury with care to promote proper healing
• Keep wounds moist and covered until closed
• Use sun protection to avoid burns
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing to prevent friction
• Do not pick at scabs or re-injure healed skin
• Avoid repeated waxing or shaving of sensitive skin
• Apply silicone gel or tape to healed wounds to reduce scarring
• See a dermatologist promptly for severe acne to prevent scars
• Consider preventive radiation after surgery in high-risk areas like the buttocks

For those prone to keloids, avoiding unnecessary trauma in highly susceptible areas like the buttocks can help reduce the likelihood of dealing with painful, recurring keloids.

Outlook for Keloids on Buttocks

Keloids on the buttocks can cause significant discomfort with sitting and moving. While challenging to treat, a combination approach of steroid injections, surgery, radiation, silicone gel, lasers, and compression can improve their appearance and symptoms. Preventing new keloids from forming is equally important in management.

Working closely with a dermatologist experienced in scar treatment allows tailoring a regimen to flatten existing keloids and prevent their return. With time and consistency, the majority of patients see improvement in keloid scars on the buttocks and experience less discomfort during daily activities.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.