Keloid Scar Injuries

The Columbus Ohio personal injury lawyers at Clark Perdue have extensive experience representing clients with scar injuries. We understand the emotional toll of dealing with a disfiguring scar.

Hypertrophic scars and Keloid scars are two types of abnormal scars that result from an “over-active” healing process. Excessive collagen is produced at the wound site often resulting in disfigurement. Disfiguring scars that develop as a result of burns, dog bites and motor vehicle accidents can cause significant emotional trauma to injury victims and serve as a constant reminder of the event.

Hypertrophic scars are usually raised, red or pink and sometimes itch. Hypertrophic scars do not exceed the boundaries of the original wound. Although they will never disappear, hypertrophic scars can subside over time. Treatment for hypertrophic scars includes steroid injections, cryosurgery, laser therapy, medication and silicone sheeting.

Keloid scars are a very serious form of scarring. They can have a consistency that is soft and “doughy” or hard and rubbery. Keloid scars grow beyond the margins of the original wound and can continue to grow for a year or more, often becoming very large. Keloid scars range in color from dark purple to pink or red. These scars may itch or feel tender. Over time, keloid scars can affect a person’s mobility.

Keloid scars are more likely to develop on darker-skinned individuals. Although keloid scars can form anywhere on the body, they most commonly develop on shoulders, chest, cheeks, earlobes, neck and back.

Keloid scars are difficult to treat. Combination treatments are generally more effective. Keloid scars may be minimized by laser scar treatment, cortisone injections, cryotherapy, silicone gel sheeting, and interferon treatment.