Understanding and Treating Keloids on the Pubic Area

Understanding Keloids on the Pubic Area

Keloids can occur anywhere on the body, including the sensitive pubic region. Keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue that happens when the skin is injured. They can range from small to very large in size. Keloids tend to be firm and rubbery lesions that are slightly raised above the skin surface. They are often reddish-purple in color. Keloids can sometimes be itchy or painful.

What Causes Keloids on the Pubic Area?

Doctors aren't entirely sure why some people develop keloids after an injury. It likely involves a problem with wound healing where too much collagen is produced at the site of the wound. Keloids can occur after:

• Shaving bumps or razor burns
• Folliculitis
• Boils or skin abscesses
• Piercings
• Surgery such as a C-section
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Severe acne
• Chickenpox
• Vaccinations

People with darker skin tones are more prone to getting keloids anywhere on the body. Keloids on the pubic area are also more common in those between the ages of 10 and 30 years old. If you have a family history of keloids, you are at a higher risk of developing them as well.

Signs and Symptoms

Keloids on the pubic area can cause:

• A firm, rubbery lesion that protrudes out from the skin
• Mild to intense itchiness
• Pain or soreness
• Changes in texture or color from the surrounding skin
• Restricted movement if the keloid is large

Pubic keloids range in size from very small to extremely large growths. They can develop shortly after an injury occurs or even up to several months later. Keloids do not regress over time. Unlike normal scars, they will not fade away or flatten on their own.

Diagnosing Keloids on the Pubic Region

Keloids will be diagnosed by visual examination. Your doctor can identify a keloid based on its appearance and by taking a medical history. Keloids have a very characteristic look that helps set them apart from other types of lesions.

Your doctor may ask questions like:

• When did you first notice the lesion?
• Did it appear after some type of injury or wound?
• Is it growing larger over time?
• Is it painful or itchy?
• Do you have a family history of keloids?

If the keloid appeared suddenly and continues to grow weeks or months later, it is likely a keloid scar. Your doctor may also feel the lesion. Keloids have a distinct firm, rubbery texture when palpated.

Complications of Pubic Keloids

While keloids are benign (noncancerous), they can still cause problems. Potential complications include:

• Significant discomfort, pain, itching
• Bleeding if the keloid is rubbed, scratched, or chaffed
• Infection
• Restriction of movement depending on the size and location
• Poor self-esteem or emotional distress due to appearance

Keloids do not turn into skin cancer. But larger keloids may restrict movement if they develop over a joint. Scratching keloids can also increase the risk of infection. Leaving keloids untreated means they will continue to grow over time.

Treatment Options for Pubic Keloids

Treating keloids can be challenging. Because they are fibrous growths, they tend to recur after being surgically removed. There are several treatment options available for managing keloids:

• Steroid injections - Corticosteroid injections into the keloid can help shrink the scar tissue and flatten the lesion. Multiple injections are often needed.
• Cryotherapy - Freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen can help reduce scar tissue. It may require several treatments.
• Silicone sheets/gels - Silicone applied directly to the keloid may help soften and flatten it.
• Compression - Wearing compression clothing over the keloid applies pressure to help flatten and reduce the scar over time.
• Radiation - Radiation is sometimes used to prevent keloids from returning after surgical removal. It helps slow scar tissue formation.
• Surgery - Surgical removal is an option for large, painful, or bothersome keloids. Recurrence is common though.
• Laser therapy - Lasers can help reduce the size of a keloid. Multiple treatments are required.

Combination therapy using surgery, steroid injections, and radiation often has the best results. Smaller keloids may respond better to injections or laser therapy alone. Sometimes over-the-counter scar gels containing silicone can help improve the appearance of keloids. Large or painful keloids are best treated by a dermatologist.

Preventing Pubic Keloids

It's not always possible to prevent keloids since they arise spontaneously. But you can reduce the risk of getting them by:

• Avoiding unnecessary trauma or irritation to the pubic area like waxing or aggressively shaving
• Not picking at pimples or ingrown hairs
• Treating any infections in the area promptly
• Using proper sanitation and protection during sex
• Applying silicone gel sheets after surgery to reduce scarring
• Avoiding piercings or tattoos in the genital region

If you have a history of keloids, be very gentle when shaving or waxing your bikini area. See a doctor right away if you notice a persistent bump or lesion develop after an injury. Early treatment can help minimize the size of scars.

Coping With Keloids

Dealing with keloids in such a sensitive part of the body can be frustrating. The discomfort or appearance of genital keloids may negatively impact your self-esteem. Here are some tips for coping with keloids on your pubic area:

• Find emotional support - Speak to someone you trust or join a support group to deal with any negative emotions.
• Stick to treatment - It can take time to see results, so be diligent about sticking to your treatment plan.
• Protect the skin - Wear loose clothing and avoid irritation or friction to the area.
• Distract your mind - When itching or bothering you, do an activity to take your mind off of it.
• Practice self-care - Take care of your physical and emotional health with relaxing activities.
• See a therapist - Get help managing feelings of depression, anxiety, or poor self-image.

While keloids can be annoying and frustrating to treat, there are options available. Focus on taking good care of your skin, protecting the area from further injury, and being consistent with treatment. In time, you will notice improvement in the keloid. Seek support if you are struggling emotionally with the keloid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shave if I have keloids on my pubic area?

Yes, you can still shave if you have pubic keloids but take care to be gentle and avoid nicking the skin. Use an electric razor instead of a blade. Apply a lubricating shave gel. Shave in the direction of the hair growth and

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.