Understanding Keloids on the Eyelid: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Understanding Keloids on the Eyelid: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Keloids on the eyelid can be worrying yet are relatively uncommon. Keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue that form after trauma to the skin. While keloids can occur anywhere on the body, the delicate skin of the eyelid does make it susceptible in some cases. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what causes keloids on the eyelid, symptoms to watch for, and the various treatment options available.

What Causes Keloids on the Eyelid?

Keloids on the eyelid form for the same reasons they occur elsewhere. When the skin is damaged in some way, the body produces collagen to repair itself. Sometimes this healing process malfunctions, leading to excessive scar tissue growth beyond the original injury site. This is a keloid.

Common causes of skin injury that can trigger an eyelid keloid include:

• Piercings
• Surgery such as blepharoplasty
• Trauma from burns, cuts, insect bites
• Severe acne
• Chickenpox scarring

Keloids can form anywhere between a few weeks to several months after initial skin damage. People with darker complexions are more genetically prone as are those with a family history of keloids.

Symptoms of Keloids on the Eyelid

The most prominent symptom of a keloid on the eyelid is a noticeable bump or growth over the eyelid. It may start small initially and gradually enlarge over time. Common signs to be aware of include:

• Smooth, rounded bump on eyelid
• Flesh-colored or reddish in appearance
• Raised surface that grows beyond original injury
• Does not subside over time
• May be itchy, painful, or sore
• Causing discomfort when blinking

Keloids can vary greatly in size. Some remain small and localized while others expand to large protruding mounds. The growth pattern is unpredictable.

Diagnosing Keloids on the Eyelid

Consulting an ophthalmologist or dermatologist is necessary to properly examine and diagnose a keloid on the eyelid. They will assess factors like:

• Appearance - color, texture, size
• Location
• Presence of inflammation
• Skin characteristics
• Medical history

Imaging tests are generally not needed for diagnosis. The doctor can usually identify a keloid from visible examination along with one’s medical background. Rarely a skin biopsy may be done to rule out cancer or other issues.

Treatment Options for Keloids on the Eyelid

Removing keloids on delicate eyelid skin can be challenging. There are variety of treatment options available, often used in combination over time:

Steroid Injections

Injecting the keloid with a corticosteroid solution helps reduce inflammation and shrink the scar. It may require repeated injections over months. The steroid helps break down collagen production.

Cryotherapy

Freezing the keloid growth with liquid nitrogen helps kill extra scar tissue. This can flatten and slough off the lesion when combined with other methods. Repeat freezing is required.

Silicone Gel Sheeting

Applying gel sheets helps hydrate and soften the keloid while applying light compression. This helps flatten and fade the scar over time.

Radiation Therapy

Small external radiation doses are used to help soften and shrink the keloid. This is effective yet only used when other options fail due to potential side effects.

Laser Treatment

Laser resurfacing removes outer layers of the keloid enabling new smoother skin to form. Lasers help remodel scar collagen while minimizing recurrence.

Surgical Excision

Surgically removing the keloid is often followed by steroid injections or laser treatment. This helps prevent the keloid from growing back.

Topical Creams

Certain gels and ointments may be compounded to break down scar tissue, reduce inflammation and inhibit collagen synthesis when applied topically over time.

Compression Bandage

Wearing a light compression bandage over the eyelid keloid applies pressure to help soften and flatten the lesion.

Keloids often require a diligent combination approach for best results. Treatments must be aggressively implemented in early scar stages before collagen sets and the growth enlarges. Home care is also essential.

Home Care and Prevention of Keloids on Eyelid

Consistent home treatment between doctor visits improves keloid reduction and prevention of recurrence. Methods include:

• Gentle daily eyelid massage
• Applying moisturizer and sunscreen
• Using silicone gel sheets
• Wearing compression when sleeping
• Avoiding sun exposure
• Not picking or scratching lesions

Preventing future keloids means avoiding trauma to the eyelids. Be cautious with activities like:

• Contact sports with potential for eye injuries
• Rubbing or touching eyelids excessively
• Eyelid procedures like botox injections
• Protecting from burns while cooking
• Wearing eye protection outdoors

Being aware and gently caring for eyelid skin is key to preventing irritation that can trigger scar overgrowth.

Coping with Keloid Symptoms on Eyelid

In addition to altering appearance, keloids can cause irritating symptoms. Being proactive helps minimize discomfort while undergoing treatment.

Reducing Pain and Inflammation

Keloids may ache, sting or throb, especially after treatment sessions. Recommendations to alleviate pain include:

• Applying cool compress
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
• Massaging eyelid gently with moisturizer
• Avoiding rubbing or picking lesion
• Wearing dark glasses outdoors

Inflammation makes keloids more noticeable and painful. Anti-inflammatory creams and oral medication can provide relief.

Minimizing Itchiness

Itching is another common keloid complaint. Methods to reduce itch include:

• Applying hydrocortisone cream
• Taking antihistamines by mouth
• Dabbing on soothing gel
• Hydrating skin with moisturizer
• Avoiding scratching

Oral anti-itch medication and topical numbing creams may be prescribed if symptoms persist.

Lessening Blinking Discomfort

Keloids on the eyelid margin can cause irritation with blinking. To minimize discomfort try:

• Lubricating eyes with drops
• Wearing glasses instead of contacts
• Covering keloid with bandage while sleeping
• Blinking gently and slowly
• Avoiding eye makeup

With time and ongoing treatment, the keloid will reduce in size easing symptoms.

Improving Sleep

Irritation from an eyelid keloid can disrupt sleep. Methods to reduce disturbances include:

• Elevating head with extra pillows
• Wearing light compression eye mask
• Taking antihistamine before bed
• Using a humidifier
• Listening to white noise
• Avoiding television/devices before bed

Talk to your doctor if keloid pain or itching persistently affects sleep quality.

Coping Emotionally With Keloids on Eyelid

In addition to physical discomfort, eyelid keloids can negatively impact self-confidence and body image. Implementing coping strategies alleviates emotional distress.

Seeking Social Support

Joining a support group, confiding in loved ones and connecting with others who have keloids combats feelings of isolation. This reminder you are not alone is comforting.

Practicing Self-Love and Acceptance

Being kind to yourself, recognizing your inherent worth beyond appearance, and accepting keloids as temporary helps sustain a positive mindset.

Focusing on What You Can Control

Rather than fixating on the keloid, focus energy on health promoting behaviors you can control like treatment compliance, rest, nutrition and managing stress.

Making Relaxation a Priority

Ensure regular relaxation time to manage emotional ups and downs. Try yoga, deep breathing, listening to music, meditation or soothing baths.

Seeking Professional Counseling

If keloid emotional distress becomes overwhelming, seek help from a therapist. They provide tools to overcome body image challenges.

Avoiding Triggers to Distress

Limit looking closely at keloid and its impact. Take a break from causes of body negativity like social media or peers who reinforce insecurities.

Exploring Natural Remedies to Support Keloid Healing

While medical treatment is most effective for significant eyelid keloids, certain natural remedies may aid healing when used cautiously under doctor supervision. Options to discuss include:

Onion Extract Gel

Onion extract helps reduce collagen production and scarring when applied topically. Its anti-inflammatory effects may also help flatten and fade keloids.

Honey

Honey is naturally antimicrobial and wound healing. Applying medical grade honey diluted may assist with keloid symptoms and encourage new skin growth.

Green Tea

Green tea contains antioxidants that combat inflammation. Used topically on keloids in moderation, it may aid healing.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel contains enzymes that repair damaged skin and reduce scarring. Gently applying to the keloid encourages healing.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E supports skin health and collagen production. Massaging vitamin E oil into the keloid may improve its appearance over time.

Tea Tree Oil

Diluted tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic benefits. Used carefully on the eyelid, it may support keloid healing.

Even with natural remedies, keloids often require medical procedures for significant improvement. But natural options can support and enhance treatment effectiveness in some cases.

When to See a Doctor

Consulting an ophthalmologist or dermatologist is advised if an eyelid bump exhibits keloid characteristics like:

• Persisting over one month
• Growing larger in size
• Causing pain, itching, irritation
• Impacting vision or eye function
• Bleeding, oozing liquid or worsening

Sudden vision changes, swelling or severe irritation warrant urgent medical care to rule out infection or other complications.

While frustrating, various treatments can safely improve the appearance and symptoms of eyelid keloids over time. Combining medical procedures, home care, emotional support and natural remedies enables managing this condition.

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.