Keloid scars typically occur on parts of the body that include the earlobes, shoulders, cheeks, or chest. They affect between 10 and 15 percent of people who suffer a wound. But in rarer cases, they can grow in the pubic and genital areas of the body. Sometimes keloid is caused by waxing or even by shaving when people treat their hairy area. Keloids can have a devastating impact on a person’s self-esteem and life in general due to their aesthetic reasons.
Does waxing put women at risk for keloid scars?
Yes, sometimes it may. The technique of waxing involves applying a sticky substance, like wax, to body hair, allowing it to stick, then removing the covering and pulling out the hair from the follicle. The most effective method to remove a lot of hair at once is to wax it. But waxing has a lot of disadvantages as well. It can be painful when the strip is removed from the skin. It might damage the skin if an improper technique is used, or the wax is not at the correct temperature.
Women are at major risk of keloid scars, as keloids can develop even after very minor skin damage, such as a tiny cut from shaving. Meeting the beauty standards of flawlessly shining skin, most women resort to shaving and waxing in preparation for the beach or parties, which puts ladies at risk of developing a skin disfigurement that can be permanent. Thus, beware of any kind of keloid caused by waxing.
By its very nature, women’s skin is very sensitive; a higher incidence of keloid is seen during pregnancy and puberty due to hormonal changes and changes in skin texture due to these life events. Although no particular gene has been identified, keloids are more likely to form in people with positive family histories. Certain rare genetic syndromes can also contribute to an increased risk for the development of keloids. That’s why women with a family history of keloids should avoid shaving or take extreme care to dodge nicks or cuts.
What causes keloid scars in the skin?
Unusual wound healing in reaction to inflammation or trauma to the skin promotes keloids. Environmental and genetic factors play a role in keloid development. People with darker skin seem to have higher occurrences. Redisposed individuals may develop a keloid following any level of skin trauma, including surgery, piercings, acne, tattooing, insect bites, burns, lacerations, abrasions, vaccinations, and any other process resulting in cutaneous inflammation.
Keloid growth may also be facilitated by higher pressure within a wound. Keloids can develop after very minor skin damage, such as a tiny cut from shaving. When waxing, keloid scarring may result if the wax is not heated to the required temperature, an incorrect method is employed, or the patient has a hereditary susceptibility.
It’s also possible for keloid to appear on uninjured skin. This keloid is called a spontaneous keloid. They are rare, so there are only a few known cases. Keloids may occur when the skin injury is so minor that the person doesn’t even notice it, any disease that causes intense inflammation inside the body, or certain medications.
Keloids can cause discomfort, itchiness, and aesthetic concerns for some individuals. Although keloid scars don’t pose a direct threat to your physical well-being, they can be distressing mentally. Keloid scar treatment is possible. Treatment options for keloids include corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, cryotherapy, silicone sheets, pressure therapy, and, in some cases, surgical removal. However, keloids may recur even after treatment. A medical expert should be consulted for an accurate diagnosis and suitable options for treatment.
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